Fiji declares national health emergency over fast-spreading HIV outbreak

UPDATE - follow-up to Fiji declares national HIV emergency and extends testing program as cases surge - AP News: Fiji has officially declared a national HIV emergency following a sharp and alarming surge in virus diagnoses across the country.

The Crisis

One out of every 60 people in Fiji now carries the human immunodeficiency virus. Officials trace a major driver of this rapid outbreak to an escalating drug crisis currently gripping the island nation.

Action Taken

In response to the escalating health emergency, the government is actively extending its testing program to reach more people. International bodies are also stepping in to assist, with UNAIDS committing to support Fiji as the country puts new measures in place to strengthen its overall medical and public response.