President urges chiefs to take the first step in openly addressing HIV

The Tui Cakau and President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu has urged the chiefly leaders within the Cakaudrove Province to take the first step in openly addressing the national HIV outbreak which is being fueled by increased intravenous drug use (IDA).

While opening the Bose Vanua of Cakaudrove in the chiefly village of Somosomo in Taveuni, Ratu Naiqama stressed the importance of repetition when communicating critical messages, stating that even if people grow tired of hearing them, consistent reinforcement ensures the message stays in their minds and eventually prompts action.

He says HIV/AIDS is a major concern in the country, and the national outbreak of HIV cases clearly shows the alarming scenario before the nation.

He further says the outbreak confronts them as Leaders at the national, provincial, Vanua and community levels.

The President urged the chiefs to openly talk with their families, Mataqali, village and especially their children, about the issue of intravenous drug use (IDU) and that it is fueling the national HIV outbreak.

He adds that chiefs must learn to dialogue openly with each other — only then can they address these challenges in their Mataqali, families, churches and villages.

He also urged the chiefs of Cakaudrove to confront head-on the escalating incidence of intravenous use of hard drugs like methamphetamine or "ice" and increased illegal drug cultivation in their Vanua.

The Tui Cakau reminded the chiefs that the current HIV Outbreak in Fiji is being fueled by illicit intravenous drug use (IDU), through sharing of needles and other risky behaviour including the practice of bluetoothing.

Ratu Naiqama says a member of the family, Mataqali or village who injects drugs and shares used needles is 29 times more likely to contract HIV than someone who does not inject drugs and data collected by the Government clearly reflects this.

The President lamented that, out of the 1,093 positive HIV cases from the testing conducted between January to September 2024, only 52 percent or 572 cases have been successfully linked to receiving health care – this means that 48 percent are not receiving antiretroviral medicines that will save their lives.

He emphasised that HIV is no longer a death sentence, and with adequate treatment, people living with HIV can lead a normal life – they can work, play, study and attain a degree from the university, get married, have children who don’t have HIV, run businesses and companies, and live a long, happy, and prosperous life.

The President says despite the proven effectiveness of antiretroviral medicines, out of 115 HIV-related deaths recorded in the same time frame (Jan-Sept 2024), 29.6 percent or 34 deaths were of individuals diagnosed in 2024.

He says these 34 deaths were unfortunately late diagnoses.

He adds people who are at risk are not coming forward to be tested due to stigmatization and discrimination and we must show compassion and encourage testing so they can get lifesaving antiretroviral medicines.

The Tui Cakau also called for more consultation by authorities with the Vanua, religious groups, and community leaders in raising awareness of the spread of HIV, and the increasing addiction to illicit drugs that is negatively impacting children, youth and families across the nation.

Ratu Naiqama emphasised that when people have been tested and know their HIV status they can then access the anti-retroviral medicines that will help them live normal lives, with a career, children and a long life, but the first step is to get tested, be honest with the medical authorities and go back for treatment.

He urged the chiefs to act now because the HIV outbreak is not only a health issue, it could potentially become an economic and developmental issue if they do not act now.