New HIV cases in Fiji may exceed 3,000 this Year, Health Ministry Warns

Fiji may be on track to record its highest-ever number of HIV cases, with health officials warning the country could surpass 3,000 new cases by the end of this year.

Assistant Minister for Health and Medical Services, Penioni Ravunawa called the situation “a national crisis.”

“In 2024, Fiji recorded 1,583 new HIV cases — the highest ever in our history. That’s a 13-fold increase from our usual five-year average,” he said.

“Already this year, in just five months, we have confirmed over 800 new cases. At this pace, we may surpass 3,000 cases by December. This is a national crisis, and it is not slowing down.”

Adolescents and Newborns at Risk

The Assistant Minister said young people are increasingly vulnerable.

“Adolescents aged 10–19 now make up 10% of new cases, a 45-fold increase since 2022,” he said.

Last year also saw a record 32 newborn infections — more than Australia and New Zealand combined, despite Fiji’s much smaller population.

Transmission and Risky Behaviours

Unprotected sex remains the main mode of transmission, but Ravunawa warned of growing risks from drug use.

“One deeply worrying practice is the ‘bluetoothing’ of illicit drugs — where people inject and then share blood with others. This is a dangerous driver of HIV and other infections, and it must be urgently stopped,” he said.

Mother-to-child transmission during pregnancy and childbirth is also contributing to the spread.

Low Treatment Rates

Currently, just 38% of people living with HIV in Fiji are on treatment.

“Many never started, and nearly half are lost to follow-up. This fuels further transmission and undermines our response,” Ravunawa said.

He also stressed the importance of culturally relevant interventions.

“Over 90% of new HIV cases last year were among iTaukei Fijians. This shows us clearly where urgent, community-led action is needed.”

A National Call to Action

Calling the crisis “no longer silent,” the Assistant Minister urged families, faith leaders, communities, and government to act together.

“Families must speak openly with their children about protection and choices. Faith leaders must help break stigma and spread truth. Communities must stand with those living with HIV, not isolate them. Government and partners must scale up testing, treatment, and education,” he said.

“If we do not act now, Fiji risks a generation lost to HIV. But if we face this crisis together, we can save lives, stop new infections, and protect the future of our children.”