Education vital in HIV fight

Recent HIV statistics from Fiji serve as a stark warning, revealing that 85 percent of the 117 HIV-related deaths last year involved individuals aged 15 and older. The data also shows a record 2,016 new HIV cases were reported in the same period, underscoring a growing public health concern.

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Young people are often heavily influenced by peer pressure. Drugs and HIV negatively impact their future. It threatens their physical health and brain development, leading to family and social disruptions, education challenges, or worse, death.

Mere Robanakadavu, head girl at Delanamasi Government School, voiced the urgent need for enhanced awareness and prevention efforts. She identified drug use, needle sharing, and a deficit of accurate information as key factors driving the increase in infections. Robanakadavu stressed that young people must take ownership of their choices, noting the profound negative impact of drugs and HIV on their futures, including physical health, brain development, and potential disruptions to education and social life.

Robanakadavu emphasized the critical role of awareness campaigns and support services, thanking Medical Services Pacific (MSP) for partnering with her school to provide information. "It is very important to learn more about the free services offered by Medical Services Pacific," she stated, adding that such initiatives help her peers make better-informed decisions.

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So, it is very important to learn more about the free services offered by Medical Services Pacific. So, on that note, I would like to thank MSP for the initiative to partner with Delanamasi Government School, creating awareness and helping my fellow brothers and sisters to make better informed decisions.

Kesaia Robinson, Country Director for Medical Services Pacific, echoed the sentiment, highlighting the necessity of equipping students with knowledge. "There remains a strong need to strengthen family life education and comprehensive sexual education within our schools and communities," Robinson said. She also pointed to teachers as vital allies, advocating for continued training and resources to empower them to guide students effectively on these sensitive issues.

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There remains a strong need to strengthen family life education and comprehensive sexual education within our schools and communities. Secondly, teachers play a critical role in supporting our young people, and there is a need to continue building their capacity through training and resources so they can confidently guide students on these important issues.