VERENIKA Salusalu is using her platform at the Vodafone Rakiraki Carnival to tackle HIV and combat substance-related health risks.
The 24-year-old registered nurse originally from Rokovuaka, Nalawa, with maternal links to Matawailevu, is undertaking her internship at the Rakiraki Sub-Divisional Hospital.
Sponsored by Duadua Beach Resort, Ms Salusalu chose to focus her community advocacy on the critical relationship between methamphetamine use and HIV transmission.
“My advocacy focuses on the relationship between methamphetamine and HIV, raising awareness about how risky behaviours associated with methamphetamine use can increase the risk of HIV transmission,” she said.
“My message is that HIV is preventable, testable, and treatable, and should never be surrounded by stigma or misinformation.”
“Do not let fear, stigma, or misinformation stop you from knowing your HIV status.
“HIV does not define a person, and seeking testing or treatment is a sign of strength, not weakness. Let us choose knowledge over ignorance, prevention over regret, and compassion over stigma.”
