Testing positive for HIV is not the end of the world, says HIV/AIDS advocate Temo Sasau.
He believes knowing one’s health status is the first step towards empowerment.
“Early detection gives you control over your life, know your status,” he said.
Speaking to this newspaper, Mr Sasau stressed that Fiji will not be able to win the fight against HIV unless communities change their mindset.
“We need to rethink how we view HIV and rebuild our compassion. If we don’t address stigma, we will keep losing people.”
As countries around the world mark World AIDS Day today, he said simple gestures, such as lighting a candle in support of people living with HIV, carry powerful meaning.
“It shows you care. It shows you see us.”
Despite ongoing challenges, Mr Sasau believes Fiji can overcome discrimination and build a future where no one is being pushed aside.
“When we stand together, stigma loses its power. And when stigma falls, people start to live again.”
He said silence had never saved anyone, but honest conversations did.
Mr Sasau added that Fiji’s path to ending HIV will only succeed if everyone chose empathy over judgement.
