Fiji HIV Crisis Fueled by Meth Drug - A Warning for PNG and Pacific Youths

Fiji, our Pacific neighbour, is facing a national health emergency that should concern all of us in Papua New Guinea. In 2024, Fiji recorded 1,583 new HIV cases. According to UNAIDS Pacific, this is *the highest total they have ever seen and a 281 percent increase from 2023 [RNZ]. In September 2025, the Fiji Government said 59 babies were born with HIV in 2025 alone. For many years, HIV in Fiji was driven mostly by sexual transmission. But since 2019, health workers started hearing sporadic cases of injecting drug use due to drug trafficking [RNZ]. Fiji sits on a major drug trafficking route for meth and cocaine going to Australia and New Zealand. As massive stockpiles of crystal methamphetamine, known as ice, pass through, some leaks into local communities and has created a local addiction crisis. A December report by WHO and UNDP found that nearly half of the HIV patients with available information about their exposure had injected drugs, primarily crystal methamphetamine* [Straits Times]. Fiji health statistics for 2025 show that people who inject drugs made up roughly half of new HIV cases where transmission mode was identified, while the other half was sexual transmission [CNN]. There are three ways meth is fueling HIV. First, sharing needles. The crisis is caused by multiple factors, "but injecting drug use has become a major and rapidly accelerating route of transmission" [CNN]. Second, a very dangerous practice called bluetoothing. In this practice, "where after one person gets a hit, they withdraw their blood and share it with other people" and "It comes with a high risk of contracting various blood-borne diseases, including HIV" [RNZ]. This trend is also confirmed as "Fiji is also one of several global hot spots where a dangerous trend called 'bluetoothing', in which people inject themselves with the blood of other drug users" is driving HIV [Straits Times]. Third, meth leads to risky sex. Meth increases desire for sex, reduces use of condoms, and leads to multiple partners. This spreads HIV even faster. UNAIDS Pacific adviser Renata Ram warns that other countries have all the risk factors for a similar crisis. Solomon Islands, Vanuatu and Tonga have reported an increasing number of cases [RNZ]. PNG must also be careful. What can we learn in PNG? Meth is illegal, highly addictive and destructive. It damages the heart, brain, and causes paranoia. One injection with a used needle can give you HIV for life. Second, stigma kills. Many people fear HIV testing. But Fiji now offers free testing and free treatment. In PNG, provincial hospitals also offer free and confidential HIV testing. Third, our body is the temple of God. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 reminds us to honor God with our bodies. Let us pray for Fiji and act for PNG. If someone is struggling, show love and refer them to health workers, not judgment. Sources (clickable): 1. RNZ News - The health crisis pushed by a drug crisis 2. Straits Times - Fiji declares emergency as HIV cases skyrocket 3. CNN - Fiji HIV emergency as drug crisis fuels outbreak ---