Fiji faces a looming HIV crisis among people who inject drugs, with the number of infections projected to reach 25,000 by 2029 if urgent action is not taken, according to a new WHO rapid assessment.
The report highlights high-risk injecting practices, limited access to sterile equipment, low awareness of HIV and hepatitis risks, and stigma as key drivers of the epidemic.
Crystal methamphetamine use is increasing, with many users injecting soon after first use or transitioning rapidly from smoking to injecting.
“Without immediate intervention, HIV prevalence in Fiji could escalate dramatically, and given the high mobility within the Pacific region, similar outbreaks could occur in neighbouring island nations,” the report stated.
Stakeholders, including health workers, religious leaders, and people who inject drugs, called for urgent, evidence-based, and culturally appropriate responses.
WHO experts stressed the need to expand harm reduction programs, HIV testing, and treatment services to curb the epidemic and protect both national and regional public health.
“Given the high mobility within the region, no island nation is secure unless all islands proactively strengthen their HIV prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and surveillance systems.”
“A regional approach ensures not only the health security of individual nations but collective resilience against public health threats.”
WHO said the assessment revealed not only the scale of unmet need, but also a high level of support for evidence-based, compassionate, and culturally appropriate responses.”
“Many stakeholders, including health workers, religious leaders, and people who inject drugs, called for urgent action grounded in public health.”
The WHO rapid assessment recommends urgent measures to curb HIV transmission among people who inject drugs in Fiji.
Key steps include providing free, low-threshold sterile needles and syringes through hubs, pharmacies, peers, or community organisations.
