Fiji has world’s fastest-growing HIV epidemic, says global health expert

Fiji’s escalating HIV crisis is driving a stronger regional response, with health experts from across the Pacific, Australia and New Zealand gathering in Nadi for the Pacific HIV Symposium 2026.

ASHM Director of Global Health Dr Michelle O’Connor says 2025 saw an unprecedented HIV outbreak in Fiji and that it continues to be the fastest-growing HIV epidemic in the world.

“2025 saw an unprecedented HIV outbreak in Fiji, and it continues to be the fastest-growing HIV epidemic in the world,” Dr O’Connor said.

Australia has committed $12.6 million to support HIV programmes in Fiji and the Pacific. The funding is part of a broader $48 million Australian investment to help Pacific countries respond to rising HIV infections.

The health experts are gathering in Nadi today to strengthen efforts to prevent new infections and improve treatment and care.

The two-day Pacific HIV Symposium 2026, at the Sheraton Fiji Golf and Beach Resort, brings together clinicians, nurses, policymakers, researchers and community organisations as Fiji faces a sharp rise in HIV infections.

The symposium will feature a high-level line-up of regional and international health leaders speaking on Fiji’s growing HIV crisis, including President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, Fiji’s National HIV Outbreak and Cluster Response Taskforce chairperson and interim lead of the Sexual and Reproductive Health and HIV Unit, Dr Jason Mitchell, Australia’s Chief Medical Officer Professor Michael Kidd, UNAIDS regional director Dr Eamonn Murphy and Pacific HIV adviser Renata Ram.

The Australian Support for Pacific HIV Action (ASPHA) National Systems Stream is led by the Australasian Society for HIV, Viral Hepatitis and Sexual Health Medicine (ASHM) in partnership with Fiji National University, the Pacific Community, the Burnet Institute, the Doherty Institute and the Kirby Institute.