Fiji’s Health Minister, Dr. Atonio Lalabalavu, has officially declared an HIV outbreak in the country, noting a sharp increase in new infections and associated deaths. Between January and September 2024, there were 1,093 new HIV cases documented, alongside 115 HIV-related fatalities, with a concerning 34 deaths occurring among those diagnosed during the same year.

The Central Division reported the highest number of infections, with 766 cases, followed by the Western Division with 292, Northern Division with 33, and just 2 in the Eastern Division. Alarmingly, individuals aged between 20 to 29 represent over half of these new infections, highlighting urgent issues related to risky behaviors linked to drug use.

Minister Lalabalavu indicated that this outbreak is exacerbated by the illicit drug trade, particularly involving methamphetamine, which complicates the crisis further. He emphasized the critical need for awareness campaigns directed towards young people who are particularly affected.

To combat this public health emergency, the Ministry of Health has introduced two significant initiatives: a 90-day HIV Outbreak Response Plan aiming for immediate action and a long-term HIV Surge Strategy for 2024-2027 focused on strengthening health systems and overall response strategies.

The minister called for collective action from all Fijians, urging communities, civil society, the private sector, and religious groups to unite in addressing the challenges posed by this outbreak. He warned that if left unaddressed, the situation could escalate into broader economic and developmental issues for the nation.

Despite the grim statistics, the proactive measures being implemented provide a hopeful outlook for combating this outbreak. These initiatives are designed not just to address the immediate risks but to foster a supportive community approach to HIV management, aiming to improve health outcomes for all affected individuals. With collaboration and commitment from various sectors, there is potential for significant progress in fighting this public health crisis.