A new report by the World Health Organization reveals a staggering 12-fold increase in new HIV cases in Fiji over the past seven years. The report, titled “A Rapid Assessment of Injecting Drug Use and HIV in Suva,” indicates that new HIV notifications surged from 131 cases in 2018 to an alarming 1,583 in 2024. The cumulative total of reported HIV cases reached 3,660 last year, with a notable prevalence among young people, prompting concerns from public health officials.
In the first half of 2025 alone, Fiji reported 1,226 new HIV cases, further emphasizing the urgent need for effective intervention. The geographical distribution of new cases shows that the Central Division accounts for 70 percent of notifications, with the Western Division also experiencing a significant rise, while the Northern Division has not seen a notable increase.
The report highlights a troubling trend among the youth. In 2024, individuals aged 15 to 24 represented 37 percent of new cases, a significant leap from 20 percent in 2022. Specifically, cases among 15 to 19-year-olds increased dramatically from six in 2022 to 165 in 2024. The incidence of HIV among children under 15 has also escalated, with 32 out of 41 cases linked to mother-to-child transmission, showcasing the urgent need for comprehensive maternal health and education programs.
Men accounted for 70 percent of new notifications in 2024, a rise from 60 percent in 2019, while reports indicated that a small number of cases were among transgender and gender-diverse individuals. Ethnic disparities were also evident, with 90 percent of new cases among iTaukei individuals and 8 percent among Indo-Fijians, contrasted with their respective population shares.
Additionally, the report noted a quadrupling of HIV-related deaths in Fiji, rising from 25 in 2021 to 126 in 2024. Alarmingly, nearly half of those who died in 2024 were newly diagnosed that same year, and the data suggests that the true number of AIDS-related deaths may be underreported. Eight of these deaths were among children under 15, indicating the severe impact of HIV on the younger population.
Injecting drug use has emerged as the most common mode of HIV transmission. Among those beginning antiretroviral therapy in 2024, 48 percent identified their likely route of infection as through injecting drug use. Notably, the Suva and Western HUB Centres reported drug-related transmission accounting for 54 percent and 40 percent of new ART initiations, respectively, marking a significant increase since 2021.
This alarming trend highlights the pressing need for enhanced education, prevention strategies, and healthcare resources to combat the rising rates of HIV in Fiji, particularly among vulnerable populations. Continued vigilance and targeted interventions will be essential in addressing the public health challenges posed by both HIV and related drug use in the region.
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