The Ministry of Health and Medical Services is intensifying its response to Fiji’s HIV outbreak, with the latest surveillance data showing that the vast majority of infections are concentrated in the Central and Western divisions.
According to the 2025 Fiji HIV Surveillance Report, the Central Division recorded 1,359 HIV diagnoses, accounting for 67.4 percent of the national total, while the Western Division recorded 556 cases, representing 27.6 percent.
Together, the two divisions accounted for 95 percent of all HIV infections recorded in Fiji during 2025.
The Ministry says the findings are guiding a targeted response strategy that directs specialised medical staff, diagnostic tools and treatment services to areas experiencing the highest transmission rates.
The Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) and HIV Unit has significantly expanded testing services, particularly in the Central Division, where Point of Care Testing increased from 2,881 tests in 2024 to 12,472 tests in 2025.
Dr Jason Mitchell, Chair of the National HIV Outbreak and Cluster Response Taskforce and Interim Lead of the SRH and HIV Unit, said the higher number of diagnoses reflects the success of efforts to expand testing and reach vulnerable populations.
“The increased visibility of the epidemic in our Central and Western Divisions is a direct result of our deliberate expansion of the diagnostic network,” Dr Mitchell said.
“Our SRH Hubs are leading a strategic and integrated response by integrating peer-led testing with clinical oversight to ensure that we are not only identifying cases but linking our people to life-saving care immediately.”
He said the figures demonstrate that outreach teams are successfully reaching communities where transmission is most concentrated.
“The higher numbers we see in the report are evidence that our systems are working and that our community outreach teams are successfully reaching the populations that need us most.”
The Ministry’s response is being coordinated through specialised SRH Hubs located in major population centres. These hubs work closely with community-based organisations to deliver HIV screening and awareness programmes outside traditional healthcare settings.
Health officials say this approach has been particularly important in the Western Division, where expanded testing activities contributed to the identification of 556 cases.
The Ministry said the surveillance report is enabling a data-driven response and helping ensure resources are deployed where they are needed most.
The SRH and HIV Unit continues to strengthen laboratory capacity and expand access to antiretroviral therapy across divisional clinics to maintain high standards of care and improve treatment outcomes.
The public is being encouraged to access free and confidential HIV testing through health facilities and community outreach programmes.
Health authorities say early testing and treatment remain critical to reducing transmission and improving the health and wellbeing of people living with HIV.
