30 inmates living with HIV at Naboro prison

Thirty inmates at the Naboro Corrections Centre are living with HIV — and all of them are receiving treatment, a nursing practitioner revealed during a media tour of the facility on Friday.

Motu Kotoimatuku, the nursing practitioner overseeing Naboro's medical division, said the facility works closely with Suva's Bailey Clinic to ensure HIV-positive inmates receive the same care available to the general public.

"This is one of our priorities — to make sure that our inmates who are living with HIV receive their treatment," he said.

"If there is a need to send them to the state clinic, we do that."

The 30 cases include inmates diagnosed at Naboro and others transferred from facilities in Suva, Lautoka, and Labasa.

The infirmary — staffed by one nursing practitioner and two registered nurses — handles day-to-day medical needs across the entire Naboro subdivision.

More serious cases are referred to the Colonial War Memorial Hospital.

Beyond physical health, a prison psychologist also plays a key role inside Naboro.

Felipe Daniyyel, who has 15 years of experience in the prison system, said his team steps in when inmates show a willingness to change.

"People cannot change people — but if they have the willingness to change, we can help," he said.

Mr Daniyyel said inmates are assessed for mental health, coping needs, and behavioural patterns before being matched with upskilling programs that suit their individual strengths — helping prepare them for life after release.

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