Nearly half of newly diagnosed HIV patients not linked to care

Nearly 42 per cent of people diagnosed with HIV in Fiji last year were not enrolled in care, exposing a major weakness in the country’s response to the growing epidemic. 

The Ministry of Health’s 2025 HIV report revealed that of the 2,016 people diagnosed during the year, 845 were not enrolled in care, while only 976 were receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART). 

A further 128 patients had been enrolled but had not yet started treatment. 

The report described engagement in care and treatment initiation as a “significant gap” in Fiji’s HIV response. 

Nationally, 3,535 people living with HIV had been reported by the end of 2025.

Of these, only 1,979 were receiving ART, representing 56 per cent coverage. Just 288 people had documented viral suppression — equivalent to 15 per cent of reported cases. 

Health officials warned that delays in diagnosis, treatment initiation and retention in care were contributing to ongoing transmission and poor health outcomes.

The report called for urgent action to improve linkage to care, treatment access and long-term patient retention.