The family unit plays a crucial role in offering support to individuals living with HIV who require mental health assistance, according to Patrick Morgam, CEO of Empower Pacific Fiji. His remarks were made in light of concerns about families that distance themselves from loved ones diagnosed with HIV, with some even refusing to visit them in hospitals.
Morgam emphasized that family support is essential for patients enduring the emotional turmoil associated with their diagnosis. He noted, “Family support is the backbone for them to be sustainable, and if the family is ignoring them, then that adds more stress to the patient.” He further explained that such neglect can exacerbate the mental health challenges faced by patients, leading to increased anxiety and instability.
He urged families to be more supportive and serve as a safety net for individuals coping with the illness. Empower Pacific Fiji is set to release a statement outlining the counseling services available for HIV patients, along with data on patient engagement with these services.
Dr. Rachel Devi, Head of Family Health at the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, highlighted the ministry’s collaboration with various civil society organizations to strengthen support for HIV patients. She noted that these partnerships involve training from ministry trainers and on-site testing conducted by NGOs such as Medical Services Pacific and universities.
Dr. Devi mentioned that tertiary students are being trained to carry out point-of-care testing in various settings, including community outreach programs targeting diverse populations. “The collaboration is extensive and represents a societal approach as we continue to advance our efforts,” she stated.