COMMUNITIES must remain at the centre of Fiji’s response to the growing drugs and HIV crisis.
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong highlighted this at a roundtable discussion focused on HIV and drugs.
The roundtable highlighted the need for community-driven solutions, stronger engagement and co-ordination, and responses grounded in compassion, dignity and inclusion.
The discussion was facilitated by James Bhagwan, general secretary of the Pacific Conference of Churches.
Mr Bhagwan called on leaders to work together to guide Fijians and their families through the growing challenges posed by HIV and drugs.
Ms Wong said Australia remained committed to engaging with faith leaders, indigenous groups and communities on shared issues affecting Fiji and the region.
She also welcomed the perspectives shared during the discussion, saying they would help inform Australia’s ongoing support towards Fiji’s national response.
The discussion, held at the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat in Suva, brought together representatives from faith-based and community groups to discuss challenges surrounding HIV and drugs in Fiji.
Participants during the discussion acknowledged that policies and programs were “only as strong as the communities that carry them”.
The Australian Government said through the Vuvale Partnership, it would continue working with Fiji to address the challenges of drugs and HIV.
