From left: Emosi Ratini, Jokapeci Cati and Fijian Parliament Speaker Dr Jiko Luveni at Holiday Inn on March 1, 2018. Photo: Nacanieli Tuilevuka
An advocate has called on Fijians to end the stigma on Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) in the country.
Speaking about his own experience, Emosi Ratini, 43, of Suvavou, Suva, was told he was living with HIV/AIDs 18 years ago.
His passion and dedication for a more holistic and positive response to the community of people living with HIV is driving him to be an advocate.
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‘I am glad I knew my status at an early stage because it has changed me for the better,” he said.
“There is no fear of knowing your status so I always emphasise this first step of knowing and also no fear of opening to the media, telling everyone you are living with HIV and AIDs.
“When I knew I had HIV and AIDs, I felt weak and I thought that was the end of the road for me.
“In 2000 I was divorced, and it was the year of a struggle for me,” he said.
He said in Fiji there was more respect for people living with HIV/AIDS now.
“For Fiji we have a Government that provides us antiviral drugs free, we have the support of the churches, employers and families. Of course there is still stigma and discrimination but we are winning the battle,” he said.
“I encourage all to keep that motive burning and together improve the quality of lives of people living with HIV in our Pacific region.
“That’s the price for a better future for those diagnosed with HIV and AIDs,” he said.
In 2007, Mr Ratini met his second wife Jokapeci Cati, who is also living with HIV/AIDS.
“We have three children who have all tested negative, thanks to the critical treatment to prevent and/or eliminate mother to child transmission,” he said.
He is urging the public to stop discriminating people living with HIV/AIDS, but to support them instead.
“They are not alone on this rugged road and if they need help, there are many organisations in the country that will help and support them and I am also here,” he said.
“AIDS/HIV is just like any other disease, if any of your family members are living with the disease, please give care and love to them,” he said.
Edited by Mohammed Zulfikar
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