HEALTH Minister Dr Atonio Lalabalavu has officially declared an HIV outbreak in Fiji, citing a significant surge in new cases and related deaths.
Between January and September 2024, 1093 new HIV cases were recorded, and 115 HIV-related deaths were registered in the same period.
Of these deaths, 34 (29.6 per cent) occurred among individuals diagnosed within the same year.
Dr Lalabalavu said Fiji had met the definition for an outbreak of HIV nationally, and the declaration reflected the reality that HIV was evolving at a very fast rate in our communities.
“I have many times reiterated my concerns for the increasing number of new HIV cases since entering Parliament and today, as the Minister for Health and Medical Services, I am officially declaring an outbreak of HIV in Fiji,” Dr Lalabalavu said.
“The 1093 new HIV cases are dispersed across the country.
“The Central Division recorded 766 cases, 292 cases in the Western Division, 33 cases in the Northern Division, and the Eastern Division recorded 2 cases.
“The age group most affected is 20 to 29 years old, with 553 cases accounting for 51 per cent of cases.”
To address the outbreak, the Ministry of Health has launched two key initiatives including The HIV Outbreak Response Plan covering a 90-day program aimed at implementing immediate, high-impact interventions to contain the outbreak.
The other is the HIV Surge Strategy 2024–2027 which is a long-term roadmap for strengthening health systems and responding effectively to the crisis.
Dr Lalabalavu noted the response plans had been developed with the assistance of UNAIDS, DFAT, and the US CDC’s EpiAID program, ensuring they align with global best practices while addressing Fiji’s unique challenges.
He said the outbreak was believed to be linked to the ongoing illicit drug epidemic, which was further compounding the complexity of the crisis.
“The Ministry of Health cannot do this alone. We need the support of every Fijian.
“Communities, civil society, faith-based organisations, private sector partners, and international allies must join us in raising awareness, reducing stigma, and ensuring everyone affected by HIV receives the care and support they need.
“This is not only a health issue but can potentially become an economic and developmental issue if we don’t act now!”
