TARGETED support and trust-building lie at the heart of Fiji’s fight against HIV, where a specialised peer-led toolkit is reshaping community care and treatment adherence.
Speaking at the recent 2026 Pacific HIV Symposium in Nadi, Fiji Network for Positive People representative Rusiate Naulunimagiti detailed how trained advocates are reaching vulnerable populations across the country.
“The HIV Peer Counselling Toolkit is a useful tool that promotes and encourages peers to adhere to treatment and improve the quality of life of people living with HIV,” he said.
The 10-module resource covers essential topics including treatment compliance, nutrition, sexual education, substance abuse, and human rights.
Peer counsellors operate in comfortable, safe environments across the Central, Western, and Northern divisions, including outreach during targeted Moonlight Campaigns.
Program data highlights 185 total peer counselling sessions conducted, reaching 77 men, 87 women, and 31 transgender women.
Additionally, Mr Naulunimagiti said 39 session participants were people who injected drugs.
He emphasised the urgent need to expand harm reduction measures, noting that many young individuals share contaminated needles due to limited supply access.
“Meaningful engagements and building trust with the communities that we serve, including the underserved and underprivileged communities, remains critical.
Mr Naulunimagiti called for stronger legal frameworks, rehabilitation services, sustainable funding, and continuous capacity building.
Reflecting on the cultural ties that unite the region, Mr Naulunimagiti urged stakeholders to prioritise inclusive, community-driven care when supporting affected individuals.
