The University of Fiji has launched its HIV Prevention, Care and Awareness Campaign, strengthening its commitment to public health advocacy and empowering young people to play an active role in Fiji’s response to HIV.
Launched at the Saweni Campus in conjunction with International Youth Day 2026, the campaign brought together students, staff, health professionals, government representatives and community stakeholders to promote HIV prevention, testing, care and the elimination of stigma.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Shaista Shameem says that effective and sensitive education is the key to HIV prevention among young people.
Professor Shameem says all the resources that they can possibly spare at UniFiji will be deployed to explain to those particularly vulnerable that they do not have to become a HIV statistic.
The campaign was officially launched by the Assistant Minister for Health, Penioni Ravunawa, who called for greater youth involvement in addressing Fiji’s HIV epidemic.
Ravunawa highlighted that Fiji recorded 2,016 new HIV diagnoses in 2025 compared with 245 in 2022, with two-thirds of those diagnosed in 2025 between the ages of 20 and 34.
Ravunawa urged young Fijians to “Know Your Status,” and emphasised the importance of regular testing, prevention, early treatment and eliminating stigma against people living with HIV.
The University’s Medical Practitioner and Officer to the Registrar, Dr Ame Ralulu Nasokia, who led the campaign, says the initiative was designed to provide students with practical knowledge and access to services to help them make informed decisions about their health.
He highlighted that HIV prevention begins with accurate information, responsible choices and access to testing.
Dr Nasokia says we also need to remove the fear and stigma that can prevent people from seeking help.
