Fiji has declared HIV a national crisis, with the Government set to introduce a formal needle and syringe programme as part of its response to the growing epidemic.
Minister for Health Dr Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu says current estimates indicate one in every 60 adults in Fiji is living with HIV.
He says 2,016 new HIV diagnoses were recorded in 2025, while HIV prevalence among women attending antenatal care has reached around 2 percent.
Dr Lalabalavu says the needle and syringe programme will be introduced alongside expanded HIV testing and treatment, greater access to pre-exposure drugs like prophylaxis, or PrEP, and long-acting injectable prevention.
He says the Government will also work to resolve regulatory issues, train staff, secure supplies and strengthen engagement with communities.
A Cabinet committee of five ministers has been established to address issues that have slowed implementation.
More to follow.
