Fiji declares national HIV emergency as infections surge
The Pacific nation's health minister cited escalating methamphetamine use as cases spike, with estimates suggesting one in 60 adults now living with HIV.
Fiji declared a national HIV emergency on Wednesday, with Health and Medical Services Minister Dr Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu stating that an outbreak-level response is insufficient to address what he described as an "epidemic." Government estimates indicate one in 60 adults in Fiji are now living with HIV.
The health crisis coincides with a documented rise in methamphetamine use across the Pacific nation. Lalabalavu's statement on social media underscored the need for a coordinated emergency response to tackle both the viral spread and underlying drug-use drivers.
Sources
- Fiji declares national HIV emergency as Pacific nation grapples with surge in cases — The Guardian — World
EGazette summarizes reporting from multiple sources; follow the links for the originals.
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