JUSTICE Ministry Permanent Secretary Selina Kuruleca has called for a coordinated response to Fiji’s HIV crisis, using a biblical reference to stress the importance of witnessing problems and taking action.
Speaking in iTaukei at the Pacific HIV Symposium at the Grand Pacific Hotel in Suva on Wednesday, Ms Kuruleca referred to the biblical account of Jesus asking Thomas to touch the nail marks on his hands and believe.
She said being a witness was not simply about recognising problems, but understanding the barriers faced by communities and taking action to address them.
“This is something that we can manage, that we can effectively manage by a coordinated effort,” she said.
Great Council of Chiefs chairman Ratu Viliame Seruvakula raised concerns over limited HIV testing in villages, saying this meant Fiji did not have a clear picture of the situation in rural communities.
He said movement of people between urban and rural areas could make the spread of HIV easier to overlook in villages.
Ratu Viliame also asked Australian Government chief medical officer Professor Michael Kidd how Australia addressed HIV among First Nations people living in isolated communities.
Prof Kidd said Australia’s experience showed the importance of putting communities “at the table”, with elders and community members given a voice in developing solutions.
He said educating and engaging community leaders enabled them to become advocates for HIV awareness and prevention.
The symposium was moderated by Dr Alipate Vakamocea.
Right: Ministry of Health acting permanent secretary Dr. Luisa Cikamatana during the HIV panel discussion at the Grand Pacific Hotel.
Below: Guests during the HIV panel discussion in Suva on Wednesday.
Left: Dr Luke Nasedra during the HIV panel discussion at the Grand Pacific Hotel in Suva.
Great Council of Chiefs chairman Ratu Viliame Seruvakula and other guests during the HIV panel discussion at the Grand Pacific Hotel in Suva on Wednesday. Pictures: JONACANI LALAKOBAU
