The theme ‘AIDS Will Lose’ was printed on supporters’ Tee-shirts as they marched through Labasa Town on Tuesday to commemorate World Aids Day.
The chief guest, Commissioner Northern Jovesa Vocea, said the World AIDS Day campaign was focused on the three ZEROs aligned to the theme.
“The three zeros include zero HIV infection, zero discrimination and zero AIDS related deaths,” Mr Vocea said.
“These are challenging goals to call into action that demand strategic planning, direct intervention, innovations and aggressive campaigns to inform our people about this merciless disease.
“The theme also supports vulnerable groups including youths, people living with HIV, key affected population area and women in their campaign against HIV.”
Mr Vocea said the Ministry of Health and Medical Services had reported 647 HIV cases with majority of those infected were young adults. This is from the ages of 20 to 29 followed by those between the ages of 30 and 39.
“Statistics reveal that more women are infected with HIV than men signifying that women are more vulnerable to HIV.
“Today’s event is an appropriate recognition of the progress made and an important reminder that the most profound challenge remains before us. It requires commitment and supports of the North to end epidemic that AIDS Will Lose.”
Mr Vocea said it was a proud moment for the North not only for hosting Fiji’s national commemoration but they launched the ‘HIV Counselling and Testing Policy’ to create more awareness.