HIV patients need support beyond hospital, says top doctor

“We’re struggling. We’re trying our best to keep up with it,” says Colonial War Memorial (CWM) Hospital Medical Superintendent Dr Luke Nasedra.

Dr Nasedra made the comments during an HIV response symposium at the Grand Pacific Hotel in Suva yesterday, as stigma and neglect continue to affect people living with HIV and place additional pressure on an already stretched health system.

He said some patients were being neglected because of the stigma surrounding HIV, while others were failing to adhere to medication and follow-up care.

The doctor said the problem was particularly concerning among mothers and babies, with fear of disclosure to partners and family members sometimes preventing patients from seeking regular treatment.

The lack of support after patients leave hospital was another major concern, he said.

“Once they leave the hospital, who is caring for them, who is looking after them?” Dr Nasedra said.

He said some mothers were single and faced neglect from their families, leaving them with limited support to care for themselves and their children.

The situation is also placing additional pressure on CWM Hospital, which is already facing challenges in providing services.

Dr Nasedra said the HIV crisis had created an “extra burden” for medical staff, who were working to keep up with the demands.

He said addressing stigma, improving treatment adherence and ensuring patients received support beyond the hospital were important in reducing neglect among people living with HIV.