Dr. Atonio Lalabalavu

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Fiji declares HIV a national emergency

As of October 2026: Leading the national emergency response

Fiji's Cabinet declared HIV a national emergency on September 16, 2026, under a law last used during the COVID-19 pandemic. One in 60 Fijian adults carries the virus, and new diagnoses in 2025 hit 2,016, a 12-fold increase since 2010.

Updated Oct 4

Notable Quotes

Every diagnosis must lead to care. Every person starting treatment needs support to remain on it. Prevention must reach the people and communities who need it most.

from Fiji declares HIV a national emergency · Updated Oct 4

This allows authorised harm reduction programs to operate under written directions issued by the Minister.

from Fiji declares HIV a national emergency · Updated Oct 4