Fiji declares national HIV emergency as infections surge among youth

Fiji has officially declared a national HIV emergency amid a rapid rise in infections, now affecting one in every 60 adults, with fewer than half knowing they are infected. Recent statistics indicate that two-thirds of new cases last year were among individuals under 34, and health workers are seeing teenagers and children infected through injecting drug use. A dangerous practice dubbed “bluetoothing,” where users inject the blood of intoxicated persons, is suspected of accelerating the spread.

In response, Fiji’s Parliament enacted a law giving the government expanded powers to increase testing coverage and accelerate access to antiretroviral treatment. Experts emphasize that overcoming stigma and convincing young people to use these services are essential to curb the epidemic. The report includes commentary from Eugene Lynch of the Terrence Higgins Trust.