The New Zealand High Commissioner to Fiji Charlotte Darlow says at this critical juncture in Fiji’s HIV situation, there is an urgent need to raise awareness, support newly diagnosed individuals, and gain a clearer understanding of the number of people living with HIV to ensure timely and effective care.
Speaking at the launch of the Power To Life (HIV) booklet in Suva on Tuesday, she said the booklet was published in three languages to quickly spread vital information, helping people manage their condition and communicate with their families more effectively.
“So, we have made sure that the booklet is published in three languages, because we know that we are at the edge of a tipping point where the more information we can get out, the faster the better,” Ms Darlow said.
“And we also know that this will help people manage their conditions more effectively, but it will also help them talk to their families.
“So, we figured that more languages was important for that process, so that we could have the widest accessibility possible.”
She said the booklet will also educate people living with HIV about their legal rights, and how to live with dignity and positivity.
“It also contributes, in the wider picture to Fiji government’s national response to addressing the HIV outbreak.
“Fiji government is to be absolutely commended for the way they have stepped forward in recent years.
“They have said, that we have a very significant issue, we need help and support to deal with this significant issue, so as part of New Zealand’s response, this is a conversation we started in 2022 on this booklet, and events have obviously moved on since then.”
UNAIDS Pacific goodwill ambassador Ratu Epeli Nailatikau said the booklet was developed by people living with HIV, for people living with HIV.
“It speaks in a language of lived experience, not theory, not policy, but reality,” Ratu Epeli said.
“It says – ‘You are not alone, you are part of the community that understands you, stands with you and will walk alongside you’.
“It offers comfort when fear might be loud. It offers clarity when confusion threatens to take over.
“And most importantly, it offers connection because no one should face HIV in isolation.”
