9 Children Below The Age Of 10 Have HIV

Nine children below the age of 10-years-old have human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). UNAIDs Pacific Office country director, Renata Ram, revealed that nine mothers living with HIV had transmitted the disease to their children.

Ms Ram said the stigma against people living with HIV has fuelled misunderstanding.

She also said many people have misconceptions about HIV, especially how it’s transmitted.

She said people living with HIV should be treated the same way as any person who has a chronic disease.

“The general public needs to understand that human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is only spread through unsafe sex, sharing used needles and from mother to child,” she said.

“A mother can spread the disease if she is living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and is not undergoing any treatment."

“People need to know that sharing utensils, hugging and being in close contact will not transmit human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).”

She said all Ministry of Health and Medical Services clinics carry out HIV tests for free.

“Any healthcare provider can refer you for a human immunodeficiency virus test."

"In the private clinics, this usually comes with a fee,” she said.

“There are also specialised sexual health or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) hubs in Suva, Lautoka and Labasa where you can receive tests as well for free.”

“Reproductive and Family Health Association of Fiji (RFHAF) at Garden City carry out human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing as well.

“If you are sexually active or sharing used needles and you do not know your human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) status, then you should get tested.”

She said a person that is sexually active should get tested for the disease every year unless they engage in high-risk behaviour.

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