Children between the ages of 10 to 14 years are testing positive for HIV and this is concerning.
This stat has been revealed by Ministry of Health’s Department for Sexual Reproductive Health Clinic representative Ema Rakaususu who says the rise in cases of HIV in children between 10 and 14 years is due to the use of injectable drugs.
While speaking on the VITIFM Virikawakawa program, Rakaususu says it is quite concerning the cases have reached these young children who are supposed to be the future of our nation.
Rakaususu is calling on parents to be aware of what their children are doing and adds that the Ministry has started awareness campaigns in primary schools to make sure children are aware of how the disease is spread.
MSP Outreach Coordinator Ana Fofole says discrimination and stigmatization not only from family members but also from community members are the main factors why some people do not attend awareness sessions when they visit communities.
She says when people hear about HIV, it’s like a death sentence.
Fofole says they have conducted awareness and outreach programs throughout the country because they have seen that the cases continue to rise despite continuous awareness campaigns.
She adds one of the things they see why the cases are rising is that most people, especially children, do not know how the disease is spread.
