Call to Action: Stand together to end stigma: Embrace education, empower lives, and foster compassion for those living with HIV.
THE Fiji Network for People Living with HIV calls for action with our unyieding resolve to protect the rights of people living with HIV. We stand in solidarity at this critical juncture to address HIV related stigma rendered towards the HIV+ community in Fiji. HIV is no easy topic of discussion and so is the journey of those living with the virus. We embrace every effort and action done in the past making it possible and enabling for new advocates to rise beyond their story and turning a new chapter.
With the steep rise of HIV infection declaring a national crisis, 50 per cent of those people living with HIV (known cases) are currently not on treatment. Such worrying statistics petition a positive and enabling environment that foster accessing services and not otherwise.
It is essential to clarify that a person’s value is not determined by their HIV status. HIV is a medical condition affecting many individuals, and the stigma surrounding it often leads to isolation rather than support. Pride in this context is not about celebrating the virus, but about honouring one’s identity and the journey toward understanding, acceptance, and empowerment. Emphasising pride is crucial in reducing stigma, fostering openness, and enhancing discussions around prevention, treatment, and care.
By raising awareness and breaking the silence surrounding this issue, we aim to motivate individuals to begin antiretroviral treatment (ART). Effective HIV treatment not only helps individuals, but also acts as a preventative measure. When a person living with HIV achieves viral suppression—referred to as undetectable equals untransmittable (U=U) they significantly reduce the risk of transmitting the virus to others. This knowledge fosters hope and encourages adherence to treatment, which is vital for maintaining health and protecting partners. Ultimately, U=U highlights the power of consistent medication: achieving an undetectable viral load allows for safe, healthy relationships without the fear of transmission.
Education serves as a cornerstone of this dialogue, and it must empower rather than instil fear. Those diagnosed with HIV can lead vibrant, fulfilling lives, especially when supported by effective treatments and a strong community.
Responsibility in this context is a shared commitment. It involves not only those living with HIV, but also the wider community which plays a crucial role in providing education, support, and care to affected individuals. Alongside advocating for responsible behaviours and safe practices, it is essential to approach these discussions with compassion and understanding.
Celebrating one’s identity, including living with HIV, can be a powerful affirmation of strength and resilience. Such recognition helps challenge the stigma and discrimination that often accompany HIV. Personal narratives can inspire others and provide insights into the realities of living with HIV, offering a perspective that fear-based messages may not convey.
The Fiji Network for People Living with HIV emphasises a compassionate approach in these discussions. Rather than focusing solely on negative aspects, we advocate for fostering environments that encourage open dialogue and support. Ensuring that accurate information is readily available is also paramount.
We call for action on:
- Greater invovlement of PLHIV and ongoing professional development support, awareness program;
- Community led prevention and treatment activity and support; and
- HIV advocates and ambassador development support to enhance national response
We invite all community members to contribute to a supportive environment that promotes education and understanding. By doing so, we can help individuals feel safe disclosing their HIV status without fear of retribution or shame. Together, we have the opportunity to significantly impact the stigma surrounding HIV and promote a message of hope and solidarity for all.
Let’s build a community where everyone feels safe to share their stories and live with pride. Together, we can promote understanding and support, creating a brighter future for all.
#EndStigma #SupportNotShame #HIVAwareness #FijiNetwork4PLHIV
A personal perspective
I am Jokapeci Tuberi Cati. I was the first Fijian national, the first iTaukei woman, to disclose my HIV status publicly and I have been living with HIV for over 20 years.
I wish to share my perspectives on the controversy surrounding Mark Lal’s testimony.
From my experience, not everyone gets HIV by choice.
Being an advocate is not an easy role because we put ourselves out there sharing our life stories with our vulnerabilities exposed to the scrutiny of the public at large.
The core of disclosure was to educate people about the reality of living with HIV and never to glamorise.
Though the motives for public disclosure vary from advocate to advocate, the heart of the narrative remains — it is real, genuine, and authentic, from which individuals from different walks of life can garner valuable lessons and takeaway messages.
For most of us, HIV has radically shaped and moulded our lives in many ways. Almost everything involves great considerations.
We worry about the stock of ARV drugs, we are anxious about the impacts of these prolonged intake of drugs on our liver and kidney function and we are cautious about the lifestyle we live knowing the state of our health to name a few perplexities.
Our advocacy over the years has made inroads establishing informed intervention services, lessening external stigma about people living with HIV.
Having mentioned this, the last thing we want is to see all this become undone most unintentionally.
Mark Lal’s first public disclosure without the training and preparedness accorded to all advocates before becoming public, spoke candidly about the sequence and spectrum of emotions undergone from diagnosis to the point of acceptance as an Indian gay man living with HIV, resonates with most of our community.
Nonetheless, this may have come off to others as endorsing HIV infection or ascribing HIV as an achievement. Everyone is entitled to their opinion and interpretation, but I personally believe that this young man means well.
Yes, HIV does not kill dreams, is not the end of the world, thanks to the support and ongoing professional development proffered by our organisations. I, along with others have accomplished a lot after diagnosis.
Today, I have four vibrant and beautiful children and a grandson who are not HIV positive and I’m quite impactful in communities in so many ways and on various levels.
At this juncture:
I wish to continue to empower PLHIV who are at this point in time enshrouded in uncertainties, indecisivenes, fear and stigma, – strengthen your resolve for such a time as this and let us be resilient.
There is quality treatment available for free and anyone living with the virus must access it and let’s be true to our motto that HIV stops with me.
I appeal to the general public to use public forum platforms to educate, empower and take ownership of HIV responses.
Lastly, remind us all of the principle of successful living that prevention is better than cure as we promote health seeking behaviour. || A personal perspective || I AM Jokapeci Tuberi Cati. I was the first Fijian
- JOKAPECI TUBERI CATI is the program manager for the Fiji Network for People Living with & Affected by HIV & AIDS. The views expressed in this article is hers and not of this newspaper.
