Fiji Approves Needle Exchange Law To Combat HIV Emergency
Fiji has passed the HIV/AIDS (Amendment) Bill 2026 to implement a needle exchange program. This initiative aims to curb the country's rapidly rising HIV rates by providing sterile equipment and harm-reduction services.
Why it matters
It represents a significant shift in public health policy for the Pacific region, prioritizing harm reduction and human rights over criminalization to address a national health emergency.
Fiji’s lawmakers have passed legislation allowing the rollout of a needle exchange programme aimed at containing the rapid rise of HIV from intravenous drug use. RNZ Pacific reporters
Fiji’s lawmakers have passed legislation allowing the rollout of a needle exchange programme aimed at containing the rapid rise of HIV from intravenous drug use .
The HIV/AIDS (Amendment) Bill 2026 , which will introduce evidence-based harm reduction programmes, is being hailed as a “lifeline” for the country.
Fiji now joins Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea as the only Pacific nations with a formal needle and syringe programme.
Following the passing of the Bill by parliament on Thursday, Fiji’s Health Ministry described it as a “monumental milestone” in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
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