The Pacific nation of Fiji, long associated with beaches and tourism, is experiencing one of the world’s fastest-growing HIV epidemics. Doctors, international organizations, and law enforcement officials have linked the outbreak to the rapid spread of methamphetamine and the development of transnational drug trafficking.
Ministry of Health figures:
- 2020 – 147 new cases;
- 2024 – 1,583 cases;
- 1st half of 2025 – 1,226 cases;
- growth since 2010 – approximately +3,000%.
With a population of about 930,000, these are not catastrophic absolute figures, but doctors consider them only the “tip of the iceberg” due to insufficient testing.
Without urgent action, the country could see up to 25,000 cases a year by 2029.
Experts attribute the crisis to a sharp increase in drugs in the Pacific. The region has long served as a transit hub between the Americas, Southeast Asia, Australia, and New Zealand. Still, it has now become a market for them.
According to the UN, Chinese triads, Mexican cartels, and Australian biker gangs cooperate in a “thriving criminal ecosystem”.
The number of crimes related to methamphetamine increased 36-fold from 2015 to 2024. The drug began to be sold on the streets, in the nightlife environment, at universities as a “study tool”, among wealthy clients as a stimulant.
The virus is transmitted through biological fluids. Its rapid spread is not only associated with drugs, but also with the practices of their consumption – primarily the massive use of shared tools.
In 2021, there were almost no cases of infection through injection drugs. In 2024, 48% of new infections were among people who inject methamphetamine.
The local tradition of mutual aid “kerekere” plays a large role – the habit of sharing everything with loved ones. Because of this, they pass on one cigarette, drink coffee from the same cup, and also share injection equipment.
Many people do not know about HIV treatment or are afraid to get tested because of the stigma. Some choose prayers or traditional medicine instead of therapy.