Page 22 - IB March 2018 Edition

Health

Guests with copies of the People Living with HIV Stigma Index Study Report in seven Pacific countries that was launched at the Holiday Inn, Suva
. Picture: Nanise Volau

Plans to address HIV-AIDS stigma

The report also found that people liv- seven countries targeted, some have been
ing with HIV in the Pacific Islands are known to still have archaic legislation, poli-
experiencing high levels of stigma and cies and regulations that openly discrimi-
discrimination, resulting in social exclu- nate against people living with HIV/AIDS,
sion and hindering access to basic social restricting their movements or worse, deter
services including health care. their access to gain much needed medica-
By Nanise Volau The People Living with HIV Stigma In- tion and vital check-ups.
dex Study, conducted by the FJN+1 with “The Pacific region more than any other
AT least 747 new cases of people living support of from the United Nations De- has the best chance at reaching the goal of
with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus velopment Programme (UNDP), provides achieving the 90/90/90 treatment target
(HIV) have been diagnosed in Fiji since valuable data on the real life experiences that 90 per cent of all people living with
February last year. of people living with HIV and will inform HIV will know their HIV Status, due to the
Jokapeci Tuberi, Regional Coordinator programme, interventions and policies to region’s geography and population,” said
for HIV Stigma Index of the Fiji Network ensure a more effective HIV response in Ratu Epeli.
of People Living with HIV (FJN+1) says the region. One of the key findings was “We are naturally an inclusive society
the number is expected to increase once the high levels of stigma that participants and can achieve and survive through this
the updated record is release from the Fiji reported. Over 70 per cent of respondents together,” he added.
Ministry of Health. reported of having feelings of shame, guilt, The report which was launched in Suva
“With more aggressive public aware- self-blame or having low self-esteem in the in early March provides a roadmap of how
ness and prevention campaigns, more previous 12 months. Twenty-two per cent stakeholders can better deliver people-cen-
people are coming out to have their status had felt suicidal. tred and human rights protected approach
known to the public,” Tuberi said. To address this, the study recommends to HIV prevention, treatment and care.
r nvolau@gmail.com From the month of January to October providing wellness and psychosocial sup- People living with HIV suffer higher rates
2016, Fiji has a total of 43 newly-diag- port to people living with HIV and their of discrimination and the report reaffirms
nosed HIV positive cases. That is an aver- affected spouses, partners, families and that everyone has the right to enjoy a
age of more than four cases per month. children. Access to counselling is impor- safe and nurturing environment and that
There was also an increase in the tant not only in the early stages following everyone has the right to good health care.
number of new HIV infections, particu- diagnosis but throughout a person’s life. “This is not the end of the journey but
larly among those between the ages of Programme Manager of the Multi-Coun- the beginning. I am still convinced that
19 and 29. try Western Pacific Programme at UNDP fighting stigma and discrimination is an
An overview report of People Living Pacific Office in Suva, Anna Chernyshova effective way to combat HIV & AIDS in
with HIV Stigma Index Study in seven said “If countries are to achieve the 2030 the Pacific,” says Chairperson of FJN+1
countries in the Pacific indicated that Agenda for Sustainable Development, the Emosi Ratini.
Kiribati has 28 cases of people living with principles of equality, inclusion and non- “In many fields, to be an expert on a
HIV, Samoa has 11, Federated States of discrimination must be adhered to and this subject is an admirable thing. But to be
Micronesia 9, Marshall Islands 8, Vanuatu must include people living with HIV who an expert on discrimination as a victim is
6, Palau 5 and Tonga 2. Tuberi said HIV are one of the most vulnerable groups in nothing to be admired about. But today
cases in Kiribati was high because of the society.” marks the rise of a new dawn, we refuse
number of foreign fishing vessels that call UNAIDS Goodwill Ambassador for the to remain victims,” he added.
on the island. Pacific Ratu Epeli Nailaikau said of the r nvolau@gmail.com

22 Islands Business, March 2018