Fiji, a small island nation in the South Pacific, is facing one of the fastest-growing HIV epidemics in the world. In just five years, the country has seen an 11-fold increase in people living with HIV, from fewer than 500 to around 5,900. The number of new cases has also skyrocketed, with 1,583 reported in 2024 alone.
The main driver of this epidemic is a growing trend of drug use, including intravenous injection and “bluetoothing”, a practice where people share blood through needle sharing. This practice has been reported in several countries in the region and is often driven by the high cost of drugs and limited access to safe injecting equipment.
Experts warn that the true scale of the crisis may be much larger than official figures suggest, with many cases going unreported. The government has declared an HIV outbreak and is working to improve surveillance and treatment, but challenges remain, including staffing shortages, communication issues, and limited resources.
The situation is being described as a “national emergency” by health officials, who are concerned about the spread of the virus among young people, particularly those aged 19 or under. The use of methamphetamine has become increasingly popular, with many users injecting the drug intravenously.
While there are efforts underway to address the crisis, experts fear that it may be too late to stop the spread of the virus. “A perfect storm is brewing,” says one expert, warning that Fiji’s resources and support systems may not be sufficient to deal with the growing epidemic.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c0m42dwvlk8o