Fiji is facing significant challenges in combating misinformation surrounding HIV, according to Dr. Waisale Turuva, the senior medical officer-in-charge at the Northern Divisional Reproductive Health Clinic. During a vigil commemorating World AIDS Day at the Salvation Army in Labasa, Dr. Turuva emphasized that misconceptions about HIV and AIDS continue to perpetuate stigma, late testing, and preventable deaths.
He noted that many people erroneously equate HIV with AIDS, stating, “Ask people what HIV is, and many will automatically say, ‘it’s AIDS.’ That is wrong.” Dr. Turuva stressed the importance of educating the public to rectify these misunderstandings as a critical step in the fight against the virus.
Dr. Turuva explained that HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is diagnosed through a blood test, and individuals may only know their status after undergoing testing. He clarified that while HIV can lead to AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) if left untreated, they are not the same; HIV is the virus, while AIDS represents the most severe stage of the infection.
He highlighted the dangers of untreated HIV, stating that without intervention, the immune system weakens over time—typically within a span of 10 to 15 years—leading to serious health issues. “As the immune system collapses, the body begins showing warning signs,” he said, detailing symptoms such as weight loss, frequent coughs, and skin infections.
In his address, Dr. Turuva underlined that many distressing images associated with HIV stem from AIDS, reinforcing the notion that people do not die from HIV itself but rather from complications arising from AIDS when the immune system deteriorates to a critical state.
Additionally, HIV advocate Temo Sasau warned that the greater threat in Fiji’s HIV epidemic lies not with confirmed cases, but with those who are unaware of their status. He urged individuals to get tested, pointing out that many people live with HIV without realizing it. “Fifty percent of people who got tested never returned to get their results,” he remarked, highlighting the importance of understanding one’s health status.
Sasau, drawing from personal experience, shared that stigma and fear often deter individuals from seeking necessary aid. He encouraged those diagnosed with HIV not to despair, framing the experience as “a new beginning” rather than an end. He advocated for early detection and reassured the community that testing and medications are readily available without charge.
“The unknown cases are the ones that can spread HIV,” Sasau warned. “Don’t wait. Know your status. Protect yourself and your community.” Through education, testing, and supportive discourse, the outlook for managing HIV in Fiji can improve, fostering healthier communities and diminishing the stigma surrounding this disease.
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