More than 70 children under the age of 15 have died from HIV in Fiji, with Assistant Minister for Education Iliesa Vanawalu stressing the need for better-trained teachers and stronger HIV education in schools.
Vanawalu says teachers are among the first points of contact for students and must be given the right training, tools and information to confidently provide HIV prevention education.
He says the Ministry of Education is already conducting in-house training and will continue to look at areas where support is needed.
Vanawalu says one of the major challenges is how HIV education is incorporated into the school curriculum and learning programmes.
He says the Government is also taking the issue seriously through proposed amendments to the Public Health Act, which was enacted in 1935.
Vanawalu says the Government's social affairs committee is currently conducting consultations on the proposed amendments, and once the Act is amended, relevant regulations and policies will be aligned.
He says addressing HIV requires a collective effort, with Government, schools, parents, churches and other stakeholders all having a role to play.
Vanawalu says HIV awareness must also address stigma and confidentiality, particularly for people living with HIV.
He says teachers need to understand these issues so they can provide students with appropriate information and support.
Vanawalu also confirms that, according to Ministry of Health data, the Central Division is currently the area with the highest concentration of HIV cases, after the Western Division recorded the highest concentration over the previous three years.
He says incorporating appropriate HIV education into the school curriculum, together with properly trained teachers, will help ensure students receive the knowledge they need to protect themselves and others.
