Jokapeci Cati who was diagnosed with HIV 20 years ago says despite the challenges, she has built a new life as a proud grandmother and mother of four HIV-free children.
While sharing her powerful journey of resilience and hope at the launch of the newly diagnosed People Living With HIV booklet “Power to Life” at UNAIDS in Suva, Cati says her inner strength, education, and faith kept her centred and working towards a sense of purpose in life.
She is representing the Fiji Network for People Living with HIV.
Her testimony highlights the importance of resources like the “Power to Life” booklet, which encapsulates the diverse journeys of people living with HIV.
The launch of the Power to Life booklet was held in collaboration with the New Zealand High Commission in Suva to support people newly diagnosed with HIV take the first step towards living a healthy life.
New Zealand High Commissioner, Charlotte Darlow says the booklet is designed to help people newly diagnosed with HIV take the first step towards living a healthy life.
She emphasises that publishing the resource in three languages would ensure wider accessibility, enabling people to share information with their families and strengthen support networks.
The booklet was funded through New Zealand’s small grants scheme following consultations with Fiji’s Ministry of Health and other stakeholders.
Darlow announced that New Zealand has pledged NZ$4 million towards Fiji’s HIV response to reduce transmission, improve access to testing and treatment, and tackle stigma and discrimination through education campaigns.
She adds that New Zealand is also reprioritising NZ$1 million through its regional reproductive and adolescent health programme with UNFPA and has supplied HIV testing equipment to three medical laboratories in Fiji.
UNAIDS Pacific Goodwill Ambassador Ratu Epeli Nailatikau commends the initiative, noting that while Fiji is facing the fastest-growing HIV outbreak in its history, the course of the epidemic can still be changed.
