There is a need for greater support for pregnant mothers living with HIV - Colati

With HIV cases rising in Fiji, organisations are urgently calling for stronger support systems for pregnant women living with HIV to protect both mothers and their children.

Representative of People Living with HIV, Joeli Colati says that pregnant mothers remain one of the most vulnerable groups and they must not be forgotten in national HIV strategies.

He stresses that ensuring timely access to testing, treatment and continuous care is crucial to preventing mother-to-child transmission.

Colati highlights that decentralising HIV services, especially in remote and underserved areas would allow pregnant women to receive essential testing and medication without long travel or financial burden.

He says no woman should risk her health or her baby’s health because she lives far from services.

He says that eliminating drug stockouts and improving treatment monitoring, including drug resistance testing, are vital steps in safeguarding the health of mothers and newborns.

Colati also calls for increased awareness programmes tailored for expectant mothers, along with simple, accurate educational materials on HIV prevention and treatment.

The representative says empowering women with the right information helps reduce stigma and encourages early, consistent care.

He says we must advocate for increased government funding to support HIV support groups, civil society organisations, community programmes and empower people living with HIV organisations and peer networks.

Colati further says these groups play a critical role in ensuring that mothers can access the care they deserve without financial barriers.

Colati emphasises that protecting pregnant women living with HIV means protecting the next generation, and Fiji must act now to ensure no mother or child is left behind.