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.
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“To be clear: this does not legalise
illicit drugs,” the Ministry said in a Facebook
post.
“It legalises compassion. It builds a protective
bridge of healthcare to the most vulnerable among
us.”
The Health Ministry said the legislation was
grounded in human rights, confidentiality, and freedom from
discrimination.
“It allows our frontline health
heroes, pharmacies, and peer outreach workers to distribute
sterile equipment, condoms, PrEP, and life-saving
counselling safely and without fear.”
Fijian Health
Ministry Dr Atonio Lalabalavu said the Bill sets out what
harm-reduction may permit.
“This includes the free
distribution of skin-penetrating instruments, including
needles and syringes, condoms and condom lubricants,
Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), and other means of HIV
prevention,” he said.
“It may also provide facilities
for the safe return and management of used items, targeted
counselling, information in HIV/AIDS awareness and
materials, and referrals to HIV treatment, rehabilitation,
mental health and other health and social support
services.”
The Bill also allows other measures to be
approved by the health minister on the recommendation of the
HIV/AIDS Board where those measures are necessary, Dr Atonio
added.
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