Meth is a key driver in Fiji’s fast-growing HIV epidemic: 1 in 60 adults are affected

OMEGAZEPRIME News
Published on September 26, 2026 • Originally reported by David Cox. OMEGAZEPRIME provides independent news coverage and analysis for our readers. Stay informed with the latest developments.
Mark Shaheel Lal is the founder of Living Positive Fiji and a reconciliation officer for the Fiji Truth and Reconciliation Commission. He says: "The majority of my friends, they got HIV through crystal meth." He was photographed at the AIDS conference in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in July.

In mid-September, Fiji's government declared a national emergency because of a startling rise in HIV infections. The country's crystal meth epidemic is a strong contributing factor.

(Image credit: Ian Cheibub for NPR)

OMEGAZEPRIME News — For more stories and analysis, visit omegazeprime.com

SUPPORT OMEGAZEPRIME

Help us keep delivering breaking news and world updates.

PayPalShop OMEGAZEPIX