World AIDS DAY - Confronting HIV stigma and protecting human rights must be a priority

As Fiji confronts one of the fastest-growing HIV epidemics in the world — and as new HIV cases continue to rise across several Pacific Island countries — the Pacific Sexual and Gender Diversity Network (PSGDN) is calling for urgent action to address not only the spread of the virus, but the deepening stigma and discrimination that are fuelling the crisis.

PSGDN Interim CEO Loata Tucika says Fiji’s HIV situation has reached an alarming point, but the biggest issue ballooning within our communities is the stigma and discrimination that continue to drive people away from testing, treatment, and care.

“At the forefront of these attacks are the most vulnerable — LGBTQI people and sex workers — who already face entrenched discrimination and barriers to healthcare,” she said.

As we mark World AIDS Day tomorrow, Ms Tucika is calling on Pacific communities to embrace the vuvale spirit — working together as one family — to break the myths and misconceptions surrounding HIV.

“World AIDS Day reminds our communities and governments that HIV has not gone away. We still need to raise money, increase awareness, fight prejudice, and improve education,” she said.

Ms Tucika says human rights are fundamental to an effective HIV response across Fiji and the Pacific — yet violations continue to undermine the region’s fight against the epidemic.

“Attacks on people’s human rights in many Pacific Island states are creating inequalities that perpetuate the AIDS pandemic,” she said.

“We know that by improving respect for human rights, we can go a long way in curbing the spread and alleviating the impact of the epidemic.”

She said empowering women, girls, LGBTQI people, and young people to make decisions about their own sexuality — and ensuring equal access to information, freedom of expression, treatment, and quality healthcare — is vital.

“Discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and homophobia is fuelling the HIV epidemic among marginalised people, especially transgender women, gay and bisexual men, and sex workers.

“These barriers deprive people of their right to the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health.

“We must equalise for marginalised people. We will not end AIDS unless we can end it for everyone.”

Ms Tucika says governments in Fiji and the wider Pacific must urgently step up evidence-based responses, including scaling up domestic investment and seeking greater international funding.

“Our governments cannot afford to be complacent or divert all attention to COVID-19 and climate change,” she said.

“The Fiji government must do more — including reaching out to the Global Fund and other donors — to secure stronger resourcing for HIV prevention, testing, treatment, and community-led advocacy.”

Ms Tucika says ending AIDS requires every part of society — teachers, activists, healthcare workers, politicians, faith leaders, and communities — to work together to confront stigma and taboos.

“Together we can challenge the attitudes and beliefs that lead to discrimination and inequality,” she said.

“We must encourage open and inclusive discussions on the difficult issues surrounding HIV, including discrimination based on gender, sexual orientation, race, poverty, and HIV status.”

She added that every opportunity must be used to educate and advocate for decreasing the spread of HIV and protecting people living with HIV from mistreatment.

“As we mark World AIDS Day, we remember the many Pacific Islanders lost to AIDS-related illnesses, acknowledge the significant advances made, and recognise the setbacks we still face in achieving a Pacific region free of AIDS,” Ms Tucika said.

“We must act with compassion, courage, and unity.

“HIV is not just a health issue — it is a human rights issue. Only when everyone is treated with dignity and equal respect will we be able to end this epidemic.”

ENDS…