HIV is not over in Asia-Pacific: A wake-up call from Fiji
By Dr. Saia Ma’u Piukala, Eamonn Murphy // 28 November 2025
Even a year ago, few could have guessed that a new wave of injecting methamphetamine use would drive the world’s fastest-rising HIV epidemic.
Although the total number of people infected with HIV in Fiji remains relatively small, it has surged tenfold since 2014, exposing long-standing HIV service gaps and funding shortfalls.
Sexual transmission is also climbing; the epidemic is spreading in the general population; and more babies are being infected. There are now real concerns about spillover from Fiji — a major regional hub — to other Pacific island countries and areas.
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About the authors
Dr. Saia Ma’u Piukala
Dr. Saia Ma’u Piukala is the WHO Western Pacific regional director, the first Pacific islander to assume this role. A politician, public health leader, and surgeon, he earlier served as health minister of Tonga and a member of Parliament. He was also a member of the WHO Executive Board from 2019 to 2022 and commissioner for WHO’s Independent High-Level Commission on NCDs from 2018 to 2020.
Eamonn Murphy
Eamonn Murphy leads UNAIDS' efforts in Asia-Pacific, Eastern Europe, and Central Asia, steering strategic direction. A former UNAIDS deputy executive director a.i., he previously headed UNAIDS country offices in Myanmar and Vietnam. Murphy has held senior public health roles in the Australian government.
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