HIS EXCELLENCY RATU EPELI NAILATIKAU
CF, LVO, OBE (Mil), OStJ, CSM, MSD
President of the Republic of Fiji
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ADDRESS AT THE PRESS CONFERENCE AND MEDIA LAUNCH OF THE WORLD AIDS DAY PROGRAMME
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State Room Tuesday, 26th November, 2013
GOVERNMENT HOUSE 3.30p.m.
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• Members of the National HIV Board
• Representatives of Key Donor Agencies
• Media Personnel
• Ladies and Gentleman

Good afternoon, ni sa bula vinaka, salaam alaykum, namaste

• We are here today to invite Fiji to join us in commemorating World AIDS Day 2013, which is the 1st of December, and this year falls on a Sunday.

• As President of Fiji and the HIV Ambassador for Fiji, I take this opportunity to acknowledge the work of partners, donors, CSOS and friends in our combined efforts towards the Fiji HIV response. I also acknowledge the lead role of the Ministry of Health in committing to mark this global event on the national calendar and reminding Fiji of the on-going response to HIV and AIDS.

• As we focus on World AIDS Day, let us not forget that it is a day for taking stock of the challenges that humanity is facing because of HIV/AIDS, and for celebrating our successes in supporting the people affected by the epidemic.

• It is also a day when we make a firm commitment to sustain the achievements of the past decades, and to do more, to do better and to reach further for the eventual victory over HIV/AIDS.

• Indeed we have come a long way since the first diagnosis and discovery of HIV almost three decades ago.

• With the appropriate approaches and methods that are applied today to prevent HIV infection; we now have a better grasp of what needs to be done.

• The 2013 World AIDS Day, which is coordinated by a National Planning Working Group that is designated by the National HIV Board, will again recognize global achievements in the fight against HIV and highlight the progress Fiji has made, and the shortfalls that have been experienced in the areas of governance, accessibility of services, and integrated prevention programs.

• Fiji’s latest HIV statistics continues to remind us of the need to continue to support the response to HIV and AIDS. Although there is a reduction in the number of new infections globally, the same cannot be said about Fiji.

• The global response shows a decline in new HIV infections. However for Fiji there has been an increase with 64 new infections for the year 2012 alone compared to 53 new infections in the year 2011, 33 new cases in 2010, and 43 new cases in 2009. And with the 26 new cases to June this year, the cumulative total is now 508 confirmed since our first case in 1989. This is a situation of great concern to all of us.

• Over 70% of the total is through heterosexual transmission, with the epidemic evidently affecting our young people with over 50% falling within the age group of 20-29 while 80% of those infected are i-Taukei’s.

• These facts are undeniable. We should not be tempted to downplay the statistics and impact or to deny the reality that we face. At the same time, the epidemic is not about statistics. It is about people, about families, and communities. It is about our loved ones.

• Now is not the time to lament. It is the time to act decisively, and to act together.

• Looking back over the past decade, the region has made significant progress in the AIDS response.

• National guidelines for implementing provider initiated testing and counseling, including HIV testing and counseling for the key affected populations are in place.

• The number of sites providing HIV testing and counseling services in the Asia Pacific Region has increased by over 260% between 2007 and 2010 from 7008 to 18 539 sites and the number of sites is still increasing. Implementation of prevention intervention for key populations is an essential component of national HIV control efforts.

• This year’s theme as decided by the National HIV/AIDS Board is drawn from the three zeros that the world envisages. “zero new infections, zero discrimination, zero AIDS related deaths. Fiji for 2013, focuses its campaign on working towards zero AIDS related deaths.

• Fiji is encouraged by the progress it has made towards its response to HIV & AIDS;

1. The development of the 2012 – 2015 National Strategic Plan for STI, HIV & AIDS which is also a guide to all key implementers in the implementation of HIV & AIDS related activities in the country;

2. The increase of HIV & AIDS counsellors to conduct confidential counselling in public health facilities at divisional and sub divisional level.

3. The expansion of HIV testing sites from the 3 hub centres in Fiji to the sub divisional hospitals and health centres across the country.

4. The introduction of antiretroviral therapy and option B plus to pregnant HIV positive mothers as part of the prevention of mother to child transmission program.

5. The increase in number of people living with HIV who are on antiretroviral treatment.

6. The establishment and implementation of the HIV/AIDS Decree 2011 and the establishment of the HIV/AIDS board which is the governing body for all HIV & AIDS related activities.

7. The introduction of the new HIV test algorithm to sub divisional hospitals. This will increase the point of care testing sites.

• Am certain that all these successes demonstrate that Fiji has taken a highly responsible posture and that by working together we can achieve much more. We cannot however afford to be complacent, because complacency is the worst enemy in HIV/AIDS response. We must continue to work together.

• We must use the resources available for us efficiently and improve the effectiveness of our programmes through better co-ordination and planning across departments and sectors, integrated service delivery and systematic monitoring of all aspects of our HIV and TB programmes.

• We must address the needs of marginalised groups to lower their risk of infection and to ensure early access to treatment when that is required. These include sex workers, young people especially girls and young women, men who have sex with men, and the gay, lesbian, and transgender community.

• An area that remains of significant concern is the persistence of stigma and discrimination in our society, not only towards those living openly with HIV but to the other high risk groups that I had mentioned earlier.

• Although the HIV epidemic has been identified as a profound and protracted challenge to humankind, it has taught us many lessons.

• The epidemic has highlighted that addressing ill health is an intricate part of our developmental agenda and our response has accelerated some of our programmes enabling us to tackle the underlying social determinants (such as lack of employment and housing) in a systematic and robust manner.

• As we continue with our campaign to get as close as we can to the zero mark, the national HIV/AIDS board through the Ministry of Health and the working group established by partners have coordinated a series of activities around the country.

• Celebrations have begun in the central division with a free testing day for the community at the Fiji College of Medicine & Nursing in Tamavua, in partnership with Y– Peer targeting the young adults and youths.

• The Ministry of Labour with Fiji Red Cross Society, ILO and Ministry of Health are conducting a HIV in the workplace training targeting workplaces within the central division.

• The Western Division has mobilized their communities for programs in Rakiraki, Tavua, Ba and Nadi on November 30th to the 6th of December, as a build up towards the World AIDS Day on the 1st December.

• The Northern Division has also mobilized their community for programs in Bua, Macuata and Cakaudrove as a build up for the 1st December.

• A community campaign targeting the businesses houses and other workplaces as part of the World AIDS Day Commemoration is facilitated by BAHA with the awareness on “Wear Red Day” on the 29th November, 2013.

• The main celebrations planned for the capital city will see two main events. A “Walk for Hope” on Saturday the 30th November, 2013 which will be through the city of Suva to the Victoria Courts starting at 9.00am followed by a breakfast and a sensitization program for the key affected population.

This is coordinated and facilitated by FASANOC and FJN+ with the support of the Ministry Of Health.

• The main event on December 1st, 2013 will be a prayer breakfast and meeting with the church leaders at the Holiday Inn from 7am – 10am – a way forward for the FBO’s response to HIV & AIDS. This activity is supported by UNICEF.

• A few years ago it was almost impossible to imagine that such progress would be evident in our country, but standing here today, I can confidently say that the journey towards an AIDS free world has begun and Fiji is definitely on the right path. Our common vision of an AIDS free country is possible and attainable; let us continue to strive towards its realisation.

• Our message is simple. Even though we are listed as a low prevalence country, we must redouble our efforts stop the spread of HIV. We must reduce the rate of new infections. In this connection we have too many cases of sexually transmitted infections. There is a definite correlation. Prevention is our most powerful weapon against the epidemic.

• We need to strengthen strategic health communication strategies in our preventative programs, and also continue with our treatment and the continuum of care services especially to our targeted population to further reduce the number of new HIV infections.

• As HIV testing and counseling services progresses, there is a need to strengthen the linkages between HIV testing and counseling and other established services to maximize uptake of prevention and treatment interventions. For example, what proportion of those tested positive have access to care and treatment.

• Each individual must take responsibility for protection against HIV. To the youth, the future belongs to you. Be responsible and do not expose yourself to risks.

• Parents and heads of households let us be open with our children and educate them about BIG and how to prevent it.

• We can eliminate the scourge of HIV if we all take responsibility for their actions.

• We have to overcome HIV the same way that it spreads - one individual at a time. We have to really show that all of us are responsible.

• The HIV tests are voluntary. But they are confidential. We know that it is not an easy decision to make. It is a difficult decision. But it is a decision that must be taken by people from all walks of life, of all races, all social classes, all positions in society. Because HIV does not discriminate. And I want to emphasize that government had declared several years ago that it will foot the bill, for all anti-retroviral treatment. So find out about your status. If you are HIV negative – well and good. If you are HIV positive we can help you. We can save your life. That is our business – the business of saving lives.

• Let me use this opportunity to salute all our caregivers including those neighbours who assist and support families in distress.

• We also thank our international partners, who continue to provide material support for our campaign against AIDS.

• On this day, our hearts go out to all who are in distress as a result of this epidemic. To families looking after sick relatives, we wish you strength. We understand what you are going through.

• To those who have lost their loved ones to the epidemic we share your pain, and extend our deepest condolences.

• We have no choice but to deploy every effort, mobilize every resource, and utilize every skill that our nation possesses, to ensure that we prevail in this struggle for the health and prosperity of our nation.

• History has demonstrated the strength of a nation united and determined. We are a capable, innovative and motivated people. Together we can overcome this challenge.

• Let today be the dawn of a new era. Let there be no more shame, no more blame, no more discrimination and no more stigma.

• Let this be the start of an era of openness, of taking personal responsibility, and of working together in unity to prevent HIV infections and to deal with its impact.

• By working together, we can all achieve these goals!

• As the President of Fiji and the HIV & AIDS Ambassador for Fiji, I have the greatest pleasure of launching the Fiji World AIDS Day campaign and its activities for 2013.

• Thank you, vinaka vakalevu, sukria, bahoot dhanyavaad.

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