New Zealand High Commissioner to Fiji Charlotte Darlow has announced the Power To Life HIV booklet launch in Suva, describing it as a timely tool at a critical moment in Fiji’s HIV response. The booklet, published in three languages, is intended to quickly disseminate vital information, help people diagnosed with HIV manage their condition, and improve communication with their families.
Darlow emphasized that publishing in multiple languages broadens accessibility at a point when more information can lead to faster, better outcomes. She noted that the booklet will educate people living with HIV about their legal rights and how to live with dignity and positivity, and she highlighted that it aligns with Fiji’s national response to the outbreak. The New Zealand government has supported this conversation since 2022, reflecting a commitment to joint action with Fiji.
UNAIDS Pacific goodwill ambassador Ratu Epeli Nailatikau praised the booklet as a product of lived experience, created by people living with HIV for people living with HIV. He said it speaks to the reality of those affected, offering comfort, clarity, and connection, and underscoring that no one should face HIV in isolation.
Context and broader background show Fiji grappling with rising HIV concerns. The Ministry of Health has flagged an outbreak and launched the HIV Surge Strategy 2024-2027 to strengthen prevention, diagnostics, treatment, and care. UNAIDS has estimated around 2,000 people living with HIV in Fiji, with about 1,049 currently receiving treatment, leaving a significant share undiagnosed or disengaged from care. In 2023, AIDS-related deaths stood at 82, highlighting the urgency of increased testing, awareness, and sustained support. The Central Division has reported the highest number of cases, with other regions also affected, and youth and high-risk behaviors remain key factors in the national discussion. The government has stressed the importance of dispelling myths about HIV and fostering community collaboration to achieve better health outcomes.
Context and value-added analysis
– A multilingual information tool can reduce barriers to care and empower people across diverse communities, including rural and urban populations.
– The booklet’s emphasis on rights, dignity, and community support complements ongoing public health campaigns and testing initiatives.
– The partnership approach, combining government leadership with international support and local voices, is consistent with broader regional efforts to destigmatize HIV and improve access to treatment.
– Ongoing data collection and monitoring will be important to measure impact, especially in terms of testing uptake, linkage to care, and treatment retention.
Summary of implications
– The booklet launch signals a proactive step in Fiji’s HIV response, reinforcing that HIV is manageable with proper care and that stigma can be reduced through informed, compassionate outreach.
– Sustained collaboration among government, international partners, healthcare providers, and communities will be crucial to expanding testing, improving treatment coverage, and supporting those living with HIV.
Positive outlook
– With continued leadership, targeted messaging, and expanded access to testing and care, Fiji has the potential to improve health outcomes, reduce transmission, and enable people living with HIV to lead long, healthy lives. The emphasis on lived experience and community involvement offers a hopeful path forward.
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