Summary
Fiji is experiencing a sharp increase in HIV cases, partly due to increased intravenous drug use. The number of people living with HIV has risen dramatically from less than 500 in 2014 to about 5,900 by 2024. Health officials are calling it a national crisis, and practices like needle sharing and "bluetoothing" are contributing to the epidemic.
Key Facts
- Fiji’s HIV cases have grown from fewer than 500 in 2014 to around 5,900 by 2024.
- In 2024, Fiji recorded 1,583 new HIV cases.
- Many new HIV cases involve people aged 19 or younger.
- The practice of "bluetoothing" involves sharing drug-injected blood between users.
- Fiji’s assistant health minister reported that the HIV epidemic is a national crisis.
- Needle sharing is common due to limited access to syringes in Fiji.
- Awareness and testing for HIV are increasing, but stigma still poses a barrier.
