Living With HIV

Mark Shaheel Lal is breaking down the walls of silence to save many lives after he tested positive for HIV on May 1 of this year.

Coming to terms with his diagnosis was difficult as he was not prepared for it, but with the support of his family and friends, he managed to navigate his challenging journey.

Amid the alarming rise in HIV cases in the country, Mr Lal has courageously shared his story to inspire a shift in the mindset of young people.

The young advocate from Vunikavikaloa, Rakiraki, is passionate about LGBTQ+ rights and youth empowerment.

The Ministry of Health and Medical Services recorded 552 new cases of HIV from January to June 2024.

In the same period, thirteen (13) deaths were recorded in people living with HIV from HIV-related illnesses. For comparison, 82 deaths occurred in people living with HIV from HIV-related illnesses in 2023

Empowering others

Diagnosed at the age of 23, Mr Lal has transformed what could have been a tale of despair into one of empowerment and purpose.

By publicly sharing his experience, he is not only breaking stereotypes but also challenging the stigma associated with HIV.

“The stigma surrounding HIV is still overwhelming,” Mr Lal said.

“It’s important to know your health status. If you’re HIV-positive, get tested, seek treatment, and start managing your health right away. This is the way forward. Don’t bow to stigma.”

Since coming out publicly, Mr Lal has received positive feedback from people across the country.

He has committed to working in this space for as long as he can, aiming to show that while HIV is a serious issue, it does not have to be a death sentence.

He took the bold step in publicly sharing his story during the World AIDS Day celebration in Nadi this year.

He has been contacted by people as far away as Korea and India, who have also shared their stories with him.

“Stigma is a significant barrier for many people. The fear of judgment, losing family, or the misconception that HIV is a death sentence often holds people back,” Mr Lal said.

“However, HIV is manageable. With proper treatment, including antiretroviral therapy (ARVs), you can live a healthy life and stay in a safe zone.”

He said the outpouring of support made him realise how powerful his message was. It has encouraged him to continue advocating for people living with HIV.

“I am grateful to have a strong support system that helps me through the tough times,” he adds.

“Sensitive topics like HIV need to be humanised so we can address them more effectively.”

He further said, “There is a significant gap in addressing HIV, largely due to the fear surrounding the topic. This should not be the case. We need more education, better preparation, greater openness, and a more compassionate approach. The stigma people face is still a real concern, and it’s clear that many are still afraid. I am thankful to have had the strength to step forward, not just for the Indo-Fijian community but also for the i-Taukei community. It’s about helping everyone, fostering understanding, and breaking down barriers.”

When asked about HIV being a taboo subject, he emphasised that HIV was manageable if people get tested early and adhere to their medication regimen.

He is calling for better mental and physical support systems so that young people can feel safe about their HIV status.

“The Ministry of Health (MOH) is doing its best, but our medical services should be better equipped to handle HIV cases.”

Mr Lal is the first person in Fiji since 2015 to publicly announce his status as living with HIV.

After sharing his story at the Nadi World AIDS Day event, he posted on social media that he had endured months of silence about his condition.

“Today, I am stepping out of that silence and into the light,” he shared.

“I am the first Indian gay man in my community to come out as HIV positive, and I share this truth with immense pride.

“I am not my diagnosis. I am my courage, my love, my strength.”

Reflecting on his experiences, Mr Lal added, “For every tear I’ve shed, for every fear I’ve faced, I have emerged stronger, more whole. I stand tall today, not in spite of HIV, but because of it. It has been the fire that has forged me, the storm that shaped me.”

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