More than 1,200 people in Fiji were diagnosed with HIV the first six months of 2025, making the island nation's HIV epidemic the fastest growing in the world. The UN says Fiji’s location as a drug-running hub and escalating local methamphetamine use has fuelled the rapid spread, coupled with unsafe injecting practices and a lack of access to clean needles. Low health awareness, cultural stigma and inadequate testing and treatment are exacerbating the crisis.

The names and voices of Mirry, Francine, Andi, Clare, Isac and Nemaia have been changed to protect their identities

• Drugs, denial and stigma: the babies and children swept up in Fiji’s HIV nightmare