Fiji’s HIV Crisis Raises Concern Over Unsafe Injecting Practices SUVA, Fiji — Fiji is facing a rapidly escalating HIV crisis, with health authorities and international organisations warning that unsafe injecting practices are contributing significantly to new infections. The country formally declared HIV a national emergency on 15 September 2026, following a sharp rise in infections. UNAIDS estimates that about 9,100 people were living with HIV in Fiji in 2025, while only 39% were aware of their status and 22% were receiving treatment. More than 42% of cases with a known transmission route were linked to injecting drug use. Concerns over “bluetoothing” The term “bluetoothing” has attracted public attention in discussions about injecting drug use in Fiji. It reportedly refers to the practice of sharing blood following drug injection. However, a WHO-supported rapid assessment published in December 2025 found little evidence that bluetoothing itself was widespread. Researchers identified a much more clearly established concern: people who inject drugs reported reusing or sharing needles and syringes because of limited access to sterile equipment. The assessment found that all participants interviewed who inject drugs had, at some point, reused a needle or syringe after another person. Such practices can increase the risk of HIV, viral hepatitis and other infections. Health authorities call for harm reduction The World Health Organization has backed the expansion of evidence-based harm-reduction measures in Fiji, including needle and syringe programmes, HIV testing, treatment and prevention services. WHO says Fiji is already working with international partners to expand access to free HIV testing and prevention, including PrEP, treatment and harm-reduction services for people who inject drugs. The situation has prompted calls for a coordinated national response focused not only on preventing transmission but also on reducing stigma and ensuring people at risk can access healthcare. Public-health experts emphasise that claims about “bluetoothing” should be distinguished from established evidence about unsafe needle and syringe sharing. Source: World Health Organization, UNAIDS and Fiji Ministry of Health information. Disclaimer: This report is for public-health information and does not establish that “bluetoothing” is wide spreading - @wonder_boy0000007