UNAIDS has paid tribute to the late Ratu Epeli Nailatikau, describing him as a “steadfast champion of dignity, inclusion and the fight against HIV” whose leadership helped shape the Pacific’s response to the epidemic. In a statement released this week, UNAIDS Executive Director Winnie Byanyima credited Ratu Epeli with advancing community-led approaches and confronting stigma that long hampered prevention and care across the region.
“Ratu Epeli Nailatikau played an important role in shaping the HIV response in the Pacific,” Ms Byanyima said. “His efforts to address stigma and promote community-led approaches have left a lasting impact on the region’s journey toward ending AIDS.” The statement highlights how Ratu Epeli used his influence to encourage open dialogue, challenge discrimination and anchor responses in human rights principles.
Ratu Epeli served as a UNAIDS Goodwill Ambassador for the Pacific, a role in which he was widely recognised for vocal advocacy at a time when HIV-related stigma remained widespread. UNAIDS emphasised that his work extended beyond public addresses and policy forums: he engaged directly with communities, schools and people living with HIV to raise awareness and strengthen prevention efforts, according to the agency.
The agency also pointed to concrete policy achievements tied to Ratu Epeli’s leadership. He was instrumental, UNAIDS said, in the enactment of Fiji’s HIV/AIDS Act in 2011 and in regional efforts to remove travel restrictions tied to HIV status—measures that helped reduce legal discrimination and supported broader efforts to protect the rights of people living with HIV.
UNAIDS noted that Ratu Epeli consistently pushed for responses grounded in human rights, arguing that stigma and exclusion were major barriers to testing, treatment and prevention services. “His voice will be deeply missed, but his legacy will endure in the continued effort to end HIV and ensure that no one is left behind,” the organisation said in its tribute.
The agency closed its statement by extending condolences to Ratu Epeli’s family and to the people of Fiji. The tribute from UNAIDS is the latest public recognition from international bodies of the contributions made by Fijian leaders to regional health and human rights causes, underscoring the role of high-profile advocates in shaping policy and social attitudes.
As Pacific countries continue to pursue targets for reducing new HIV infections and improving access to treatment, UNAIDS’ remembrance frames Ratu Epeli’s work as part of an ongoing effort to dismantle stigma and strengthen community-led responses across the region. His advocacy, the agency said, leaves a blueprint for combining legal reform, grassroots engagement and human rights principles to advance health outcomes.
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