SUVA, Aug. 20 (Xinhua) -- Fiji is now facing a generalized HIV epidemic, with the number of people living with the virus rising sharply over the past decade.
Minister for Health and Medical Services Atonio Lalabalavu told parliament that an estimated 9,100 people were living with HIV in Fiji in 2025, while about 1,700 new infections were recorded during the year, Fiji Broadcasting Corporation reported on Thursday.
He said the number of new infections was roughly three times the level recorded in 2018, underscoring the growing challenge facing the country's public health system.
"New infections are still rising," Lalabalavu said, adding that Fiji had not yet reached the point where the trend had begun to reverse.
The minister said the government was expanding HIV testing, treatment and prevention services as part of efforts to contain the spread of the virus.
Lalabalavu also highlighted the need to strengthen harm-reduction measures, including needle and syringe programs, amid concerns over HIV transmission associated with drug use. ■
