Fiji to launch needle syringe programme early next year, says Health Minister

Fiji is set to implement a needle syringe programme (NSP) early next year following consultations with key stakeholders, Health Minister Dr Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu said.

Speaking at the launch of upgrades at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital yesterday, Dr Lalabalavu confirmed discussions were in the final stages to introduce the programme legally and responsibly.

“We are talking in collaboration with the police, the Ministry of Policing, the DPP, and all relevant stakeholders,” Dr Lalabalavu said.

“We also need the buy-in of the general community. I believe early next year we should have something available in terms of the programme being implemented.”

The minister emphasised that the initiative aims to reduce HIV transmission through shared needles without promoting drug use.

“We do not want to be seen as breaking any laws or enabling drug users,” he said.

“We see this as a way of reducing transmission through the NSP programme.”

Dr Lalabalavu acknowledged that drug use is an addiction requiring treatment, but said needle sharing is contributing to rising HIV cases.

A World Health Organization-commissioned rapid assessment report released this week found that all 56 people who inject drugs interviewed had shared needles due to a lack of access to sterile equipment.

The report also revealed that, as of August 2025, no needle syringe programme existed in Fiji.

Among people starting HIV treatment last year, 48 per cent reported injecting drug use as their primary risk behaviour for infection.

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