THE rise in HIV infections among women is becoming a growing concern for Fiji, says the Assistant Health Minister Penioni Ravunawa.
Mr Ravunawa said women were increasingly being affected by the country’s HIV epidemic.
“Approximately 94 per cent of new diagnoses are among our iTaukei population, while infections among women are also increasing,” he said.
He said the figures should not be viewed simply as statistics because every diagnosis affected a person and their family.
“Behind every diagnosis is a person. Behind every person is a family.”
He said Fiji needed to ensure women had access to information, testing, prevention and treatment services without fear or stigma.
He urged young people to make HIV testing a normal part of healthcare.
“There should be no shame in getting tested and no stigma attached to knowing your status.”
He said women who tested positive should seek treatment early, while those who tested negative should take steps to remain negative.
“Stigma and discrimination could prevent people from seeking testing and treatment.
“Fight HIV. Fight misinformation. Fight stigma, but never fight the person living with HIV.”
He said protecting women from HIV was essential to protecting families and communities.
