Men top HIV infection numbers in Fiji

Men represent the largest demographic affected by HIV in Fiji, making up 66 percent of all cases recorded in 2025, according to the National HIV statistics. Women accounted for nearly 40 percent of infections, while transgender individuals represented less than one percent. The epidemic continues to disproportionately impact the iTaukei population, comprising 94 percent of all cases, with Fijians of Indian descent making up five percent and other ethnic groups less than one percent.

Last year marked a grim milestone, with Fiji registering 2,016 new HIV cases, the highest annual number since the country began its HIV surveillance. Alarmingly, 117 HIV-related deaths were recorded. A significant majority of these deaths, 85 percent, occurred in individuals aged 15 and over. Among children aged 0 to 14 years, 17 deaths were reported, highlighting persistent gaps in preventing mother-to-child transmission.

The Central Division reported the highest positivity rate at 3.5 percent, consistent with its larger testing volume and disease burden. The Eastern Division recorded the lowest rate, likely due to limited targeted screening. While reported HIV cases remained relatively stable between 2018 and 2021, a pronounced increase began in 2022, particularly in the Central and Eastern Divisions. Cases in these areas surged from 135 in 2022 to over 1,100 by 2024, reaching 1,376 in 2025.

As of the end of 2025, Fiji's national HIV database indicated a total of 3,535 people living with HIV. Of these, 1,979 were receiving antiretroviral therapy, and 288 had documented viral suppression. The Ministry of Health noted that despite expanded treatment coverage, the proportion of individuals with documented viral suppression remains significantly low. This disparity is attributed to incomplete viral load monitoring, testing delays, and challenges with treatment adherence and retention in care.