Fiji faces alarming rise in infant HIV infections and deaths
Health researcher Sharon Mclennan warns that Fiji is seeing a sharp increase in babies born with HIV and a disturbing number of infant deaths from the disease.
According to senior health researcher Sharon Mclennan of Victoria University, Fiji is experiencing a severe rise in HIV infections among newborns, driven by increased needle sharing and chronic underinvestment in health services. She estimates that one baby each week is born HIV-positive and about one infant per month succumbs to HIV-related complications, describing the rates as "horrendously high." Testing remains scarce and stigma prevents many from seeking diagnosis, and Fiji currently has no needle-exchange program, though plans are under discussion.
New Zealand recently donated $4 million to Fiji’s Ministry of Health for HIV support and is prepared to increase technical aid, also assisting Pacific communities in New Zealand. Travel advice from New Zealand’s SafeTravel advises visitors to avoid high-risk activities, though typical holiday travelers face low risk.
Why it matters
Rising infant HIV cases highlight urgent public-health gaps in Fiji and the need for regional support.
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