AGP Executive Report

HIV Response: Fiji recorded a record 2,016 HIV diagnoses in 2025, up 27% from 2024, with young people (20–24) making up a large share and mother-to-child transmission still a concern; advocates are also pushing for women living with HIV to be treated with dignity and for community-led groups to be central to prevention and care. Harm Reduction Debate: Officials say Fiji’s needle and syringe programme is meant to reduce harm and HIV transmission, not condone drug use, but a proposed needle-exchange still faces a legal hurdle unless frontline workers are protected by updated regulations. Youth Drug Crisis: Parliament heard that children as young as 10–14 are being pulled into addiction, driving mental health problems, violence and self-harm; Government says it has set up a residential rehabilitation centre for adolescent boys. Health System Upgrades: The Ministry of Health has started a nationwide hospital bed upgrade programme, with hundreds of beds and specialised equipment planned across divisions, and is studying how to lift public hospital standards using international accreditation practices. Access & Continuity of Care: Government says specialist outreach services in the West can continue even if Aspen Medical withdraws, using teams from CWM Hospital when needed. Public Health & Safety: A major Suva harbour clean-up will remove 17 derelict vessels, while Environment warns littering fines will rise to $200 next month.

HIV Surge in Fiji: Fiji recorded a record 2,016 HIV diagnoses in 2025, up 27% from 1,583 in 2024, with ages 20–24 making up a large share; leaders stressed the need to scale up prevention, testing, treatment and community action. Prison Health: Fiji Corrections Service says it has 206 active HIV cases and is moving toward mandatory HIV testing for newly admitted inmates, with mass screening starting at Suva Corrections. Needle Exchange Legal Barrier: Fiji’s proposed needle-exchange programme faces a major legal hurdle unless frontline workers and pharmacists are protected under a harm-reduction framework. Hospital Upgrades: The Ministry of Health has started a nationwide hospital bed upgrade programme, with 1,502 units planned and new beds and equipment for wards including critical care, children’s, labour, TB and dermatology. International Standards Push: MoH is studying Aspen Medical facilities after Aspen Ba Hospital received Joint Commission International Gold Seal approval, aiming to apply similar best practices in Fiji public hospitals. Suva Harbour Clean-up: Fiji begins a US$1m initiative to remove 17 derelict vessels from Suva Harbour, targeting maritime safety and marine pollution risks. Street Kids & Parenting Support: Parliament heard family breakdown and emotional disconnection are key drivers of street-connected children, with a new Suva rehabilitation facility and a free digital parenting app launched. Drug Addiction Worry: Minister Sashi Kiran says children as young as 10 are being trapped in drug addiction, prompting treatment and recovery support including a residential facility for adolescent boys. Public Health & Waste: Environment Ministry warns littering fines will rise to $200 from next month, citing health and safety risks from rubbish dumping. Humanitarian Partnerships: World Humanitarian Day highlighted Fiji’s whole-of-society approach to disaster preparedness as climate and health emergencies intensify.

HIV Crisis & Community Response: Fiji’s HIV situation is worsening, with President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu citing 2,016 diagnoses in 2025 (up 27%) and calling for prevention, routine confidential testing, rapid treatment links, and stronger stigma protections across the Pacific. Traditional Leadership & Law Reform: Tui Nayau and other leaders say HIV, drugs and unemployment are “burying our people,” urging urgent legal reform and culturally grounded action through vanua structures. Corrections Focus: Fiji Corrections Service says it has 206 active HIV cases in 15 facilities (not 1,440) and is moving toward mass screening at Suva Corrections plus mandatory HIV testing for newly admitted inmates, pending legal review. Public Health Alerts: Families are urged to recognise meningococcal warning signs fast, as the disease can deteriorate quickly. Oral Health Push: Health officials at the Pacifika Implantology Conference stress turning training into better patient care, with oral cancer flagged as a major public health priority. Access to Care: Hundreds of Fijians queued before dawn for free services from an international team in Suva, with organisers turning people away once daily capacity is reached. Local Health Capacity Investment: UTOF and FNU are proposing a speciality private hospital in Nabua, Suva, with investment expected to exceed $200m, subject to approvals.

HIV Community Leadership: Fiji’s HIV response is being urged to put people living with HIV and key populations at the centre, with community groups saying they can reach those the formal health system struggles to access. Prison Health Push: Fiji Corrections Service says it has 206 active HIV cases in prisons (not 1,440), and plans mass screening at Suva Corrections plus mandatory HIV testing for newly admitted inmates, with legal review underway. Regional HIV Alarm: At the Pacific HIV Symposium 2026, Fiji’s President and UNAIDS-linked figures highlight record-high diagnoses and call for prevention, routine confidential testing, rapid treatment links, and stronger stigma protections. HIV Prevention in Culture: Traditional leaders are being called on to help break HIV silence through culturally appropriate talanoa and involvement at all levels. Meningococcal Warning: Pacific families are urged to act fast on meningococcal symptoms after a death in New Zealand, as the disease can worsen quickly. Oral Cancer Focus: Fiji is treating oral cancer as a public health priority, urging early recognition of warning signs and faster referral pathways. Food Security & Health: Government launches a plan to cut Fiji’s heavy reliance on imported food, linking nutrition, non-communicable disease risk, and child deprivation. Agarwood Caution: Forestry officials warn farmers not to rush into agarwood planting without proof local production works, as inoculation methods and conditions matter. COVID Update: Fiji reports 467 new COVID-19 cases and three deaths, with active cases tracked by division.

HIV Surge: Fiji recorded a record 2,016 newly diagnosed HIV cases in 2025, up 27% from 2024, with President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu urging faster prevention, routine testing, early treatment and stronger stigma reduction. Prison Clarification: Fiji Corrections Service says claims of 1,440 HIV-positive inmates are false, stressing there are 206 active HIV cases in correctional facilities and mass screening is set to update data. COVID Update: Fiji reported 467 new COVID-19 cases and three deaths, with 23,831 active cases currently recorded. Oral Cancer Focus: Health officials say oral cancer is a major public health priority, citing 26 estimated lip/oral cavity cancer cases and seven deaths in 2024, and calling for earlier detection and better referral pathways. Oral Health Training: A Suva conference urged clinicians to turn implantology knowledge into real patient care, with emphasis on safe practice and building local skills. Water Safety Concern: Environment Ministry tests at Labasa’s Qawa River followed dead-fish and wastewater-discharge allegations during cane crushing season. Health Workforce Training: Construction has begun on a $22m FNU simulation centre to help medicine and nursing students practise clinical skills before placements. Food Security Pressure: Fiji’s food import bill hit about $1.106b in 2023 versus $343.4m exports, as the Horizon 2030 food pathway aims to cut reliance on imports.

HIV Crisis Update: Fiji’s Corrections Service says social media claims of 1,440 HIV-positive inmates are false, clarifying there are 206 active HIV cases across 15 facilities; records show 151 cases in 2024 and 173 in 2025, with three AIDS-related deaths in four years, and mass screening at Suva Corrections is set to begin this week while mandatory testing for new admissions is under legal review. Rising Diagnoses: Fiji recorded a record 2,016 HIV diagnoses in 2025, up 27% from 2024, with young people and iTaukei communities heavily represented; leaders at the Pacific HIV Symposium in Nadi urged stronger prevention, wider testing and early treatment. Cancer Awareness: Assistant Minister Penioni Ravunawa says oral cancer needs urgent public health focus, citing 26 estimated new cases and seven deaths in 2024, and urging early recognition of warning signs like persistent ulcers and unexplained swelling. Training Boost: Fiji National University is starting construction on a KOICA-FNU simulation centre at the Pasifika Campus to help medicine and nursing students practise clinical skills before real placements. Food Security & Livelihoods: FRIEND Fiji highlights support for backyard gardens, organic training and value-adding to strengthen rural resilience amid rising living costs and climate pressure.

HIV Response in Focus: Fiji’s HIV epidemic is worsening, with about 90% of new diagnoses in 2025 among iTaukei people and young adults driving a large share of cases, as the Ministry of Health and Medical Services and UniFiji roll out youth-led prevention efforts. University Campaigns: UniFiji launched an HIV Prevention, Care and Awareness Campaign at Saweni, urging students to “Know Your Status,” test regularly, start early treatment, and reduce stigma. Harm Reduction Debate: Government and UNAIDS are clashing over laws that restrict a Needle and Syringe Programme, with officials saying it’s a public health harm-reduction measure, not drug promotion. Training for Community Care: Fiji’s first Certificate in Community Health (Addressing HIV and AIDS in Fiji) Level 3 cohort graduated, preparing community champions for education, stigma reduction, and support services. Health System Capacity: A new Fiji National University clinical simulation centre is under construction to help students practise safely before working in hospitals. Mental Health Pressure: Empower Pacific reports a 20% rise in child suicide and self-harm referrals in 2025, calling for earlier support. Public Health & Safety: Fiji Medical Association treasurer Dr Ahmed Shariff warns that littering harms health and increases risks like mosquito-borne illness.

HIV Response: Fiji’s HIV epidemic is worsening, with 90% of new diagnoses in 2025 among iTaukei and young people heavily affected; the Ministry of Health says 2016 new diagnoses were recorded in 2025 (up from 245 in 2022), while UniFiji launched a HIV Prevention, Care and Awareness Campaign urging youth to “Know Your Status” and tackle stigma. Harm Reduction Debate: UNAIDS says Fiji’s laws are restricting harm-reduction, including efforts to roll out a needle and syringe programme; Assistant Minister Penioni Ravunawa insists an NSP reduces harm and HIV transmission, not drug use, and must be paired with testing, treatment and support. Cancer Care Push: A mother whose son died of cancer says families are being left to struggle for treatment overseas and backs a political commitment to build a children’s cancer hospital in Fiji. Health Training Upgrade: Fiji National University begins work on a $9.8m clinical simulation centre to strengthen practical training before students work in hospitals. Mental Health Urgency: Empower Pacific reports a 20% rise in referrals for attempted suicide and self-harm among children and young people, calling for earlier support. Public Health & Environment: Fiji Medical Association treasurer Dr Ahmed Shariff links littering to disease risk, urging better waste collection to protect community health.

HIV Surge in Fiji: Fiji’s Ministry reports 2016 new HIV diagnoses in 2025 (up from 245 in 2022), with about 90% of new cases among iTaukei, two-thirds among ages 20–34, and a 45% rise among children and teenagers aged 10–19. University Push for Prevention: UniFiji launched an HIV Prevention, Care and Awareness Campaign urging students to “Know Your Status,” with regular testing, early treatment, and stigma-free support. PrEP Rolled Out Nationwide: UNAIDS says PrEP is now available free through HIV hubs in Suva, Lautoka and Labasa, cutting sexual transmission risk by up to 99% when taken correctly—while stressing it’s prevention, not treatment. Harm-Reduction Law Barriers: UNAIDS warns Fiji’s laws restrict needle and syringe programmes, delaying access to sterile injecting equipment despite harm-reduction benefits. Mental Health Pressure on Youth: Empower Pacific reports a 20% rise in referrals for attempted suicide and self-harm in 2025, calling for earlier support and stronger services. Child Cancer Hospital Call: A mother whose son died of cancer says families shouldn’t have to struggle overseas and backs a party promise to build a children’s cancer hospital in Fiji. Health Training Upgrade: Fiji National University begins work on a $9.8m clinical simulation centre to strengthen hands-on training before students work in hospitals. Bird Flu Watch: Pacific governments seek New Zealand guidance on preparing for H5 bird flu as it spreads in Australia and New Zealand.

HIV Surge in Focus: Fiji’s HIV epidemic is accelerating, with 2,016 new diagnoses in 2025 (up from 245 in 2022), and two-thirds of cases among ages 20–34; the Ministry says around 90% of new diagnoses are among iTaukei people, with infections among women also rising. Youth-Led Prevention Push: UniFiji has launched an HIV Prevention, Care and Awareness Campaign at Saweni, urging students to “Know Your Status” and tackle stigma through regular testing and early treatment. PrEP Rolled Out Nationwide: Pre-exposure prophylaxis is now available free through HIV hubs in Suva, Lautoka and Labasa, with UNAIDS stressing it’s prevention, not a cure, and requires HIV-negative testing and follow-up every three months. Harm-Reduction Debate: Assistant Minister Penioni Ravunawa says a Needle and Syringe Programme reduces harm and HIV transmission, while UNAIDS warns Fiji’s laws restrict distribution of sterile injecting equipment—slowing the response. Mental Health Alarm: Empower Pacific reports a 20% rise in referrals for child attempted suicide and self-harm in 2025, calling for stronger early support. Cancer Care Advocacy: A mother whose son died of cancer says she will back a party promising a children’s cancer hospital in Fiji so families don’t have to seek treatment overseas. Training for Better Care: Fiji National University is building a $9.8m clinical simulation centre to strengthen hands-on training before students work in real hospital settings. Community Health Milestone: Fiji’s first Certificate in Community Health (Addressing HIV and AIDS) Level 3 cohort graduates 52 trainees to lead education, stigma reduction and harm-reduction support in communities. Climate & Health Context: Managed retreat is increasingly discussed for places like Fiji’s Vunidogoloa as climate threats intensify, with major implications for health, housing and services.

HIV Prevention in Focus: Fiji has rolled out HIV PrEP nationwide, with UNAIDS saying it can cut sexual transmission risk by up to 99% when taken correctly, and stressing it’s prevention (with regular HIV testing), not a cure. Harm-Reduction Push: UNAIDS warns Fiji’s laws are restricting harm-reduction steps like distributing clean needles and syringes, potentially slowing the response to a rapidly growing outbreak. Community Health Training: Fiji’s first Certificate in Community Health (Addressing HIV and AIDS in Fiji) Level 3 cohort has graduated, training 52 community leaders to drive education, stigma reduction, harm reduction and support services. Youth-Led Messaging: At International Youth Day, Assistant Minister Penioni Ravunawa said Fiji’s planned needle and syringe programme is about reducing harm and HIV transmission, urging young people to know their HIV status. Mental Health Awareness: Selai Qarau will use the Vodafone Festival of the Friendly North platform to advocate for mental health, encouraging safe conversations and support from faith leaders alongside professional care. Health Education Upgrade: Fiji National University has begun building a new $9.8m clinical simulation centre to strengthen hands-on training before students work in real hospitals. Drug Treatment for Children: Government says a dedicated child drug rehabilitation facility in Lautoka will open this month, expanding counselling and long-term support for young people.

HIV Prevention Push: Fiji has rolled out HIV PrEP nationwide, now available free through HIV hubs in Suva, Lautoka and Labasa and select clinics, with UNAIDS stressing it’s prevention (not treatment) and requires HIV-negative testing and follow-up every three months. Community Health Milestone: Fiji’s first Certificate in Community Health (Addressing HIV and AIDS in Fiji) Level 3 cohort graduated, with 52 graduates trained to lead community education, stigma reduction, harm reduction and support services. Training for Safer Care: Fiji National University began construction of a new $9.8m medical simulation centre to help students practise clinical procedures in a safe setting before working in hospitals. Child Drug Rehab: A dedicated drug rehabilitation facility for children is set to open in Lautoka this month, expanding treatment and long-term support for young people. Local Heart Care Success: A Suva man says he’s recovering well after four-vessel bypass surgery in Nadi, highlighting growing specialist services locally. Detention Rights Watch: Fiji’s Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission says it will monitor the Lautoka Remand Centre assault case after charges and suspensions followed an alleged assault. Mental Health Awareness: Selai Qarau will use the Vodafone Festival of the Friendly North platform to advocate for youth mental health, encouraging safe conversations and support.

HIV Prevention Rollout: Fiji has rolled out HIV PrEP nationwide, with HIV-negative people able to access the free service through HIV hubs in Suva, Lautoka and Labasa and select clinics; UNAIDS says PrEP can cut sexual transmission risk by up to 99% when taken correctly, but users must test every three months and continue condoms and other prevention. Maternal & Child Health Support: Fiji Airways and Cure Kids Fiji say their partnership has helped bring specialist care to communities, supporting 819 people so far, including 716 pregnant mothers and 103 children through antenatal and rheumatic heart disease screening programmes. Cardiac Care Review: A review into Mackay Base Hospital in Australia found staff missed critical signs before a young dad’s death after chest pain, highlighting the need for correct ECG reading and cardiac pain assessment. Local Hospital Success: A 65-year-old Suva man says he’s recovering well after four-vessel bypass surgery in Fiji, choosing local treatment over overseas travel. Drug Rehab for Children: Fiji will open a dedicated child drug rehabilitation facility in Lautoka this month, expanding treatment and long-term support for young people. Energy for Health Services: Solar and battery upgrades at a Beqa nursing station mean vaccines can be stored on-site with power available at night, improving access without mainland travel. Workforce & Retention: Tourism leaders warn Fiji can’t build its tourism future while trained hospitality workers keep leaving overseas for better pay and opportunities. Health System Access via Air Links: The Cure Kids Fiji flights component continues to help doctors and specialists reach remote islands where services are otherwise hard to access.

Healthcare Access by Air: Fiji Airways and Cure Kids Fiji say their partnership has supported 41 flight sectors and reached 819 people, including 716 pregnant mothers and 103 children, with antenatal care and rheumatic heart disease screening. Child Drug Rehab: Lautoka will open a dedicated drug rehabilitation facility for children this month, expanding treatment and long-term support as the government ramps up counselling and recovery services. Vaccines Closer to Home: Solar power and battery storage installed at Beqa’s nursing station will keep vaccines cold on-site, cutting the need for evening mainland travel and improving emergency night coverage. Breastfeeding Push: UNICEF urges Fiji to treat breastfeeding as a national development priority, linking better support for mothers to lower future non-communicable disease risk and stronger child health. COVID-19 Update: Fiji reported 13 COVID-19 deaths, including cases where people were infected before their second jab, with officials stressing vaccines are prevention, not a cure. School Health & Safety: A Lau school renovation is still incomplete with just days left after an abatement notice over unsafe classrooms, ablution facilities and kitchen concerns. Violence in Care Settings: A woman accused of assaulting a university student on a bus has been admitted to St Giles Hospital for assessment before police interviews.

Solar-powered care: The International Solar Alliance installed rooftop solar and battery storage at Beqa’s nursing station so vaccines can be stored on-site and night-time emergencies are covered, improving access for mothers on the island. Child health flights: Fiji Airways and Cure Kids Fiji say 819 people have benefited from specialist child health programmes, including 716 pregnant mothers and 103 children screened for rheumatic heart disease, with travel support enabling doctors to reach remote communities. HIV response boost: Fiji has opened a new National Sexual and Reproductive Health and HIV Office to coordinate prevention, testing, treatment and data, with Australia announcing FJD23.5m funding under the Vuvale Union Health Partnership. Breastfeeding push: UNICEF urged Fiji to treat breastfeeding as a national development priority, linking better support for mothers to lower future non-communicable disease risk and stronger child outcomes. COVID-19 update: Fiji reported 13 new COVID deaths; health officials stressed vaccines prevent severe illness but are not a cure if someone is already infected. Family seeking specialist help: A Lau family is asking for prayers and support as conjoined twin daughters await assessment and possible separation surgery in Riyadh. School safety: The Education Minister is awaiting a report after an alleged assault of a 16-year-old student at Gospel High School, while police investigations continue. Healthcare system scrutiny: The High Court in Suva will rule on Oct 1 whether a 2011 health tender case proceeds, with former health minister Neil Sharma arguing the State failed to establish criminal intent.

COVID-19 Update: Fiji reported 13 new COVID-19 deaths, including three people who had received their second jab—health officials stressed vaccines prevent severe illness, not instant protection if someone is already infected. Maternal & Child Health: UNICEF urged Fiji to treat breastfeeding as a national development priority, citing major returns from proven support for mothers and babies and links to lower future NCD risk. Child Health Access: Fiji Airways and Cure Kids Fiji say their partnership has supported 819 people (including 716 pregnant mothers) via 41 flight sectors, including antenatal care and rheumatic heart disease screening. HIV Response: Fiji opened a new National Sexual and Reproductive Health and HIV Office, with Australia announcing FJD23.5m funding to strengthen prevention, testing, treatment and coordination. Workforce Safety: Fiji’s Health Ministry is considering compensation for six medical professionals rescued after hours at sea in Lau, after calls for stronger support for health workers serving remote communities. Sports Health & Safety: A 26-year-old Fijian rugby player died in Japan after severe heatstroke symptoms following training in extreme heat. Community Wellbeing: A free Alcohol Harm Prevention Workshop, “Rise Together,” is set for Auckland on Sept 13, focusing on early intervention and family-centred prevention.