Stigma and Discrimination are two main reasons why millions have lost their lives to HIV-related illnesses.
Minister for Health Dr. Atonio Lalabalavu stated this at the handover of Anti-retroviral Therapy from the Indian High Commissioner P.S. Karthigeyan at the Ministry of Health headquarters.
Dr. Lalabalavu says this anti-retroviral therapy or ART, is very important for people living with HIV, and the medicines combat HIV by lowering amounts of the virus in the body and allowing them to live a normal productive life.
He says through this handing over, we take stock of the challenges humanity has faced during the past two years, with COVID-19 threatening and, in some instances, reversing the progress the global health community has made in health development and health outcomes over the past 30 years, and in particular, the hard-fought gains we have made against HIV.
The Indian High Commissioner P.S. Karthigeyan says this is a major fight and not the fight of Fiji alone.
Karthigeyan says as a special friend and partner, a country that shares a long standing bond with Fiji, India stands ready to partner with Fiji in this moment as it always has.
UNAIDS Goodwill Ambassador, Ratu Epeli Nailatikau says he would like to specifically thank the Government of India adding their actions today resonate deeply with the time tested bond between our nations.
Ratu Epeli says today is a testament to India’s leadership in the international community and solid commitment to global health.
