Fiji has shown significant leadership and commitment to the response to HIV. On the occasion of World AIDS Day 2015, UNAIDS has appointed the country’s former President, Ratu Epeli Nailatikau, as a Regional Goodwill Ambassador for the Pacific. The announcement was made by Jan Beagle, Deputy Executive Director of UNAIDS, during a World AIDS Day ceremony in Suva attended by representatives of government, civil society and international organizations.
“Fiji has some important lessons to share in a number of areas, including leadership, multisectorality, integration and partnership, that can benefit the region, and beyond, as we strive to reach the goal of ending AIDS by 2030,” said Ms Beagle. “His Excellency Ratu Epeli Nailatikau has been a steadfast advocate and at the forefront of these efforts, championing the HIV response and the meaningful inclusion of key populations.”
Building on his experience and years of commitment, Mr Epeli Nailatikau will help mobilize political support for the UNAIDS Fast-Track approach across the region, to accelerate and front-load investment over the next five years as a critical step towards ending the AIDS epidemic as a public health threat by 2030. In his new role as Regional Goodwill Ambassador he will also work with UNAIDS to help to ensure that the human rights of people living with HIV and key populations at higher risk of HIV are protected and respected, and that young people, women and girls and people living with and affected by HIV are meaningfully engaged in the HIV response.
With the exception of Papua New Guinea, HIV prevalence is low across the Pacific. However, a combination of factors could lead to a rise in the HIV epidemic in the region. These include widespread migration and mobility, high levels of multiple sexual partners, a large caseload of untreated sexually transmitted infections (STIs), low knowledge about HIV and STIs, high levels of transactional sex and significant levels of intimate partner violence. Stigma and discrimination towards key populations at higher risk of HIV is also high.
Former President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau said, “To get where we need to be, I believe it is time to Fast-Track the HIV response. As UNAIDS Regional Goodwill Ambassador I will work tirelessly to end the AIDS epidemic not only in Fiji but throughout the Pacific. You can count on me.”
