Pacific health professionals, communities and regional partners are strengthening efforts to prevent and respond to rising HIV cases, particularly among young people.

President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu opened the inaugural Pacific HIV Symposium 2026 in Denarau, Nadi, where discussions are focused on prevention, testing, treatment, community involvement and reducing stigma.

Fiji recorded 2,016 new HIV diagnoses in 2025, a 27 percent increase from the previous year. Of these, 646 were among people aged 25 to 29.

A further 67 children under 15 were diagnosed, including 56 cases linked to mother-to-child transmission. There were also 117 HIV-related deaths recorded in 2025.

More than 92,000 HIV screening tests were carried out last year. By the end of 2025, 3,535 people were recorded as living with HIV, with 1,979 receiving antiretroviral treatment.

President Lalabalavu stressed the need for early treatment, reliable medicine supplies, decentralised services, viral load testing and stronger follow-up of patients.

The Government has allocated $10 million towards addressing drug use and HIV, marking Fiji’s largest domestic investment in the HIV response.

The symposium aims to strengthen coordinated action across the Pacific and support progress towards the region’s 2030 HIV targets.