Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The American Samoa Department of Health (ASDOH) is currently engaged in a thorough monitoring process regarding the trends of HIV within our community, and the recent developments in Fiji should not incite concern about the spread of HIV through everyday interactions or travel.

In a statement issued by the local Health Department, officials have highlighted the alarming changes in HIV trends observed in Fiji and other regions across the Pacific. On September 16, 2026, Fiji declared HIV a national crisis in response to a substantial surge in HIV infections, prompting the urgent need for increased public health measures and responses.

While ASDOH is committed to closely monitoring the trends of HIV within American Samoa, it is crucial to note that the situation unfolding in Fiji does not imply that HIV is spreading in our community via everyday contact or travel. 

The Department is dedicated to sharing accurate information to combat misinformation, promote understanding, and encourage proactive measures for HIV prevention, testing, and treatment.

The ASDOH has outlined that HIV is not transmitted through casual interactions. The following details clarify the modes of transmission:

Everyday Contact: You cannot contract HIV from hugging, shaking hands, or sitting next to someone.
Shared Environments: You cannot contract HIV by sharing food, utensils, bathrooms, or workplaces.
Respiratory Exposure: Coughing or sneezing does not spread HIV.
Insect Bites: Mosquitoes and other insects cannot transmit the virus.
Travel: Traveling to or from Fiji does not pose a risk for HIV transmission.
Social Interactions: Spending time with someone living with HIV is safe when they are properly treated.

HIV is transmitted specifically through certain body fluids. The primary modes of transmission include:
1.    Unprotected Sexual Activity: Engaging in unprotected sexual practices (anal or vaginal intercourse) with an infected partner.
2.    Injection Drug Use: Sharing needles, syringes, or other drug-injection equipment significantly increases the risk of transmission.

Moreover, HIV can be passed from an HIV-positive person to their child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding unless preventive measures and appropriate treatment are in place.

ASDOH emphasizes the importance of knowing your HIV status. Testing for HIV is confidential and is a vital step in making informed health decisions and protecting your partners. The Department strongly advises all individuals to get tested for HIV regularly, engage in safer sexual practices, and consistently use condoms.

In addition to standard testing, the Department encourages individuals to seek guidance from healthcare providers about PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis), a preventive treatment that significantly reduces the risk of contracting HIV.

Furthermore, individuals are urged never to share needles or injection equipment, as this practice greatly increases the likelihood of transmission. If there is a suspicion of potential exposure to HIV, it is crucial to inquire about PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) as soon as possible. This emergency treatment can prevent the virus from taking hold if administered promptly after exposure.

Living with HIV is manageable. Individuals who receive effective antiretroviral treatment can lead long, healthy lives. Importantly, if a person maintains an undetectable viral load — meaning the amount of HIV in their blood is so low that it cannot be transmitted — the risk of sexual transmission is virtually eliminated.

In summary, ASDOH continues to diligently monitor local HIV data, strengthen surveillance efforts, collaborate with healthcare providers and laboratories, promote confidential testing options, and provide comprehensive education on HIV prevention. Empowering our community with accurate information, not fear, is vital.

For additional information regarding HIV testing, prevention strategies, PrEP, PEP, or treatment options, individuals are encouraged to contact the American Samoa Department of Health Communicable Disease Clinic for expert guidance and support.