Inside the world’s fastest-growing HIV epidemic – video | Fiji

In Fiji, more than 1,200 people were diagnosed with HIV in the first six months of 2025, making the HIV epidemic in the island country the fastest growing in the world. The UN says Fiji’s geographic location as a drug trafficking hub and increasing local methamphetamine use have fueled this rapid spread, coupled with unsafe injection practices and a lack of access to clean needles. Low health awareness, cultural stigma, and inadequate testing and treatment are exacerbating the crisis.

The names and voices of Mirry, Francine, Andi, Clare, Isac and Nemaia have been changed to protect their identities