The
fastest-growing epidemic of HIV in the world is unfolding right now in the South Pacific
nation of Fiji. A combination of stigmas and shame, as well as lack of awareness of treatment options, have led to an explosion of cases of HIV among both adults - and children.
Meanwhile, the U.S. has abandoned its previous work to help with global public health efforts. Other wealthy nations must band together and do what the U.S. won't, by increasing access to HIV medications in Fiji! Sign the petition!In one year alone, between 2023 and 2024, the number of new HIV diagnoses in the country have tripled. Just in the first half of 2025, medical teams identified upwards of 1,200 new HIV cases.
These cases include children - even newborn infants. That's because children can be born with HIV, contracting it from their birth parent, with mothers often not even realizing this transmission is happening. According to the doctor leading the HIV response team in Fiji, Dr. Jason Mitchell,
every month, a child younger than five is dying.Luckily, HIV is finally treatable and even preventable, such as with the revolutionary medications PrEP and PEP.
But if people don't know these medications exist - or, if they can't even access them - then HIV can escalate quickly and lead to deaths.
The U.S. had previously been a leader in global public health, especially through the work of the State Department. But now, it has abdicated that role and begun withholding life-saving HIV medications. Fortunately, the U.S. isn't the only country that can help, though.
Fiji's government is reacting quickly to this epidemic, investing $10 million in 2025 to build up public health responses, and Australia and New Zealand have stepped up to help as well.But what about other wealthy nations? The same colonization that made these countries wealthy in the first place exploited and oppressed nations like Fiji for generations. They have a moral duty to provide health assistance!
The spread and intensification of HIV is preventable. There is no reason for this epidemic to be occurring. Sign the petition to demand that wealthy nations, including members of the European Union as well as the United Kingdom, immediately commit to assisting with this public health crisis in Fiji!