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. He expressed his concerns regarding the families that distance themselves from relatives diagnosed with HIV, noting that some even avoid visiting family members in hospitals.
Morgam emphasized the importance of family support, stating, “They need family support the most, apart from the trauma they are experiencing due to the disease.” He pointed out that when families neglect these patients, it exacerbates their stress, making them more anxious and potentially leading to further complications.
He urged families to be more supportive, as this emotional backing serves as a vital safety net for patients. Empower Pacific Fiji plans to release a statement outlining the counseling services offered to HIV patients and the number of individuals who utilize these services.
Dr. Rachel Devi, Head of Family Health at the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, highlighted the ongoing collaboration between the ministry and various civil society organizations. “We have worked significantly with our NGO partners,” she noted, mentioning that they have trained these partners to conduct on-site testing, with support from organizations like Medical Services Pacific and universities.
Additionally, she revealed that tertiary students are also being trained to perform point-of-care testing in their facilities and engage in community outreach programs with diverse populations. Dr. Devi emphasized the importance of this collaboration, stating, “It’s going to be an all-of-society approach as we progress further.”