Public health researchers call for strengthened New Zealand support for Fiji’s HIV response

Public health researchers are calling for New Zealand to significantly strengthen its cooperation with Fiji as the Pacific nation navigates a rapidly escalating HIV epidemic. Dr Sharon McLennan, a public health researcher at Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington, recently highlighted that the growth in infections has become a critical regional health security issue, requiring deeper partnerships between Pacific neighbors. Fiji has seen a notable increase in HIV diagnoses, with 2,016 cases recorded in 2025—a 27 percent rise from the previous year. In response to the crisis, Fiji declared a national HIV outbreak in January 2025 and has since moved to expand testing, treatment, and harm-reduction measures. Health officials in Fiji recently shared during a Pacific HIV Symposium that current estimates place adult prevalence at approximately 1.6 percent, emphasizing the need for robust intervention strategies. New Zealand has already taken steps to support its Pacific neighbor, committing NZ$4 million in July 2025 toward Fiji’s outbreak response. According to reports from Waatea News, this funding was designed to bolster community-based testing, introduce needle and syringe programs, and improve access to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). The investment also aims to strengthen peer-led community support, which is vital for overcoming the barriers of discrimination and shame that can prevent individuals from seeking care. Dr McLennan and her colleagues argue that while these steps are positive, the response must evolve to include greater investment in Pacific-led leadership and culturally safe prevention. They advocate for HIV to be addressed not just as a clinical issue, but through foreign policy and international development frameworks. By fostering sustained technical and financial assistance, the researchers believe Aotearoa can help ensure long-term health and stability for the wider Pacific community.