Children who have contracted HIV/AIDS through sharing blood or unsafe practices, such as “bluetoothing,” are currently undergoing rehabilitation at Lautoka Hospital.
Lynda Tabuya, the Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection, confirmed that families of these children have reached out for assistance. She reported, “I was informed of a couple of children who are in Lautoka Hospital who did exactly that, bluetoothing, where they shared blood infused with drugs, resulting in them contracting HIV/AIDS.”
Tabuya emphasized that the identities of the children are kept confidential as mandated by law. However, their families have expressed significant concern for their well-being.
It is regrettable, according to Tabuya, that the situation escalated to this point, leading to the children contracting the virus. She urged the community to take responsibility and care for children, stating, “We need families and communities to come forward to care for our children. We need a prevention plan, a prevention strategy, and we call on our community, our traditional leaders, and the vanua. It is your duty to look after our people.”
She also highlighted the important role of faith-based leaders in this effort, encouraging them to spread awareness and rally support within their congregations, as mobilizing youth and children in churches can create a powerful impact.