People living with HIV continue to face challenges accessing healthcare, with some struggling to afford bus fares to attend clinic appointments, while others face stigma and discrimination.
This is one of the key concerns highlighted by Fiji Network Plus, as it receives support from Style Fiji to strengthen its care, counselling and support programmes.
While speaking with fijivillage News, Fiji Network Plus representative Joeli Colati says while healthcare services may be available, the cost of getting to clinics and meeting daily needs remains a major challenge for many people living with HIV.
Colati says some people struggle to afford bus fares to attend their appointments, while others face difficulties putting food on the table or are afraid to seek healthcare because of stigma and discrimination.
He says being selected as one of Style Fiji's beneficiaries for 2026 means a lot to the organisation, as the funding will support its peer counselling, care and support programmes.
Insert: Colati on services 6th Nov 26
Its services include peer-to-peer counselling, treatment support, home visits, transport assistance and support for mothers living with HIV.
Colati says the organisation also works with the National HIV Response to improve access to HIV services across the country.
He says efforts are underway to decentralise HIV services to sub-divisional and divisional hospitals, with the aim of eventually making these services available at health centres.
Colati says healthcare professionals are also being trained to provide HIV services, particularly testing, which can deliver results within 15 minutes.
Meanwhile, Fiji Mobility Alliance, formerly known as the Spinal Injury Association, is also benefiting from Style Fiji's fundraising efforts.
Fiji Mobility Alliance representative Jay Nasilasila says the organisation has been operating for more than 10 years and was rebranded last year to better represent people with different types of physical impairments.
He says the organisation advocates for inclusivity and accessibility while providing free mobility devices to its members.
Nasilasila says the organisation receives two containers of mobility equipment annually from the United Kingdom through its partner, Fisher Net.
The equipment includes wheelchairs, elbow crutches, shower chairs, commode chairs and different types of walking aids.
He says funding received through last year's Style Fiji initiative has helped the organisation pay for the transportation of the containers into Fiji, allowing it to continue distributing mobility equipment to members free of charge.
Insert: Nasilasila on support 6th Nov 26
Nasilasila stresses that mobility devices cannot simply be handed out without proper assessment, as technicians must first assess individuals to ensure they receive the correct assistive equipment for their needs
He says the organisation also continues to advocate for accessible healthcare services, particularly for members who regularly visit health facilities and depend on medical consumables.
Both organisations have thanked the Style Fiji chairperson, committee, sponsors, donors and supporters for their continued assistance.
Fiji Network Plus will also showcase its services at the Style Fiji Market Day tomorrow, inviting members of the public, including hotel workers around Sheraton, to visit its booth and learn more about its work.
Style Fiji is marking its 15th anniversary this year, continuing its efforts to raise funds through fashion and entertainment to support charitable organisations and communities in Fiji.
