HIV testing is not compulsory for returning Ni-Vanuatu at the airport.

Concerns have been raised as many students are currently traveling to Fiji, where more than 9,000 people are living with HIV.

STI/HIV Coordinator at the Ministry of Health, Annie Taissets, confirmed to VBTC News that students’ rights must be respected.

“We had planned to set up a team at the airport to test them, and we also sought legal advice under State Law. The advice was that it is not compulsory—it must be voluntary because of human rights. That is why we are not at the airport, but we are providing awareness so they can access testing.”

There are currently 546 students under the Vanuatu Government scholarship program, and the Ministry of Health is providing HIV awareness to them.

In Fiji, the Ministry of Health launched an HIV Outbreak Response Plan for 2024–2027 in January 2025.

Health authorities in Fiji say drug use is the leading driver of HIV transmission, accounting for 55 percent of new cases since 2023.

The Vanuatu Government, through the Ministry of Education, has identified this as a priority. A health team, including medical students and police officers who are also studying, is carrying out voluntary awareness work with students in Fiji, focusing on health and crime issues.

The Council of Ministers has approved 30 million vatu to support HIV awareness, training, and testing kits.

Mrs. Taissets said they are now waiting for Parliament to sit and pass the necessary measures.