Fiji approves needle exchange law to combat HIV emergency
Fiji has passed legislation to implement a needle exchange program to combat a rapid rise in HIV cases linked to intravenous drug use. The government emphasized that the program is a public health measure focused on harm reduction and compassion rather than the legalization of illicit drugs.
Why it matters
This represents a significant shift in public health policy for a Pacific nation facing an HIV emergency, prioritizing harm reduction over punitive measures.
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.
Fiji has one of the fastest-growing HIV rates in the world, with the governmentdeclaring an HIV emergency last month as one in 60 Fijian adults is now living with the virus .
"To be clear: this does not legalise illicit drugs," the Ministry said in a Facebook post.
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