Fiji Network Plus

HAPPY 16th ANNIVERSARY, Medical Services Pacific 🎉❤️

On behalf of Fiji Network Plus, we extend our heartfelt congratulations on this remarkable milestone.

For 16 years, MSP has been a beacon of hope, compassion, and inclusive healthcare for countless individuals and communities across Fiji. Your unwavering commitment to ensuring that no one is left behind, particularly key and vulnerable populations, has transformed lives and strengthened our national HIV and Sexual and Reproductive Health response.

We are especially grateful for the strong partnership we share with MSP. Together, we have reached communities that are often overlooked, strengthened peer-led responses, and ensured that people living with HIV receive the care, dignity, and support they deserve.

Vinaka vakalevu to your dedicated Board, Management, Staff with the leadership of Dr. Kesa Tuidraki, volunteers, partners, and supporters for your passion and service.

We look forward to continuing this journey together in building a healthier, more inclusive, and stigma-free Fiji.

Happy 16th Anniversary, MSP! Here's to many more years of changing lives and creating hope.

TWO NIGHTS. COUNTLESS LIVES TOUCHED. ENDLESS HOPE.

Last night marked the successful conclusion of our HIV Moonlight Campaign, the result of three weeks of planning, preparation, and collaboration by partners united by one purpose: ENSURING THAT NO ONE IS LEFT BEHIND.

The journey began with weeks of planning meetings and coordination among partners, followed by sensitisation sessions with Police Officers earlier this week to strengthen their understanding of the campaign and their important role in supporting community outreach. This was followed by two evenings of pre-campaign outreach by dedicated Peer Outreach Workers engaging with street dwellers before the official Moonlight Campaign commenced on Thursday and concluded last night. Together, these efforts created safe spaces for conversations, HIV testing, peer-to-peer counselling, and referrals to care.

As Fiji Network Plus, we were deeply moved by the unwavering dedication of everyone involved. While many families were at home enjoying dinner, warmth, and rest, these dedicated frontline workers chose to brave the rain, the cold, and the late hours of the night to reach some of the most marginalised members of our community.

One member of the Fiji Network Plus Secretariat shared:
"My first Moonlight Campaign reminded me that the greatest acts of love often happen while the rest of the world is asleep. Tonight, I witnessed compassion in its purest form"

That moment truly reflected the heart of this campaign.

Over these two nights, many people received HIV information, accepted HIV testing, and connected with peer support. Every conversation mattered. Every test mattered. Every life mattered.

To those who received a positive HIV result during the campaign, PLEASE REMEMBER THAT THIS IS NOT THE END OF YOUR JOURNEY. YOU ARE NOT ALONE. HIV IS TREATABLE, and THERE IS COMMUNITY READY TO STAND BESIDE YOU. Fiji Network Plus is here to provide peer support, counselling, and help link you to the health and social services you may need.

Fiji Network Plus extends our heartfelt gratitude to Medical Services Pacific for leading this important initiative and to their dedicated staff whose commitment made this campaign possible. We sincerely thank the Rainbow Pride Foundation 4 LGBTQ Rights and Equality in Fiji and their incredible Central Peer Outreach Workers (POWs) for tirelessly engaging communities with compassion and respect. We also acknowledge the Fiji Police Force Community Policing Unit for providing security and creating a safe environment for both outreach teams and community members throughout the campaign.

We are incredibly proud of our HIV Peer Counsellors, whose words of hope, lived experience, and encouragement became a source of strength for those who received a positive HIV diagnosis during the campaign. Your presence reminded people that an HIV diagnosis is not the end, it is the beginning of a journey that no one has to walk alone.

Fiji Network Plus also sincerely thanks the Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Health Equity Matters and the Burnet Institute for believing in and supporting our HIV Peer Counselling Programme. We are equally grateful to the Pacific Sexual and Gender Diversity Network - PSGDN for your continued partnership, guidance, and unwavering support. Together, you are helping strengthen a compassionate, community-led HIV response in Fiji. Together, we proved that when government, civil society, partners, and communities work hand in hand, we can bring hope to places where it is needed most.

NO ONE SHOULD BE LEFT BEHIND. BO ONE SHOULD WALK ALONE.

Fiji Network Plus sincerely thanks Medical Services Pacific (MSP) for bringing together CSOs and the Fiji Police Force to strengthen our collective response to HIV among vulnerable communities especially on the testing, treatment and care components. We are excited to be part of tomorrow's Moonlight Campaign, reaching some of the most underserved and left-behind members of our community. As part of the post-outreach response, Fiji Network Plus looks forward to supporting those identified through the campaign by linking them to HIV treatment, peer counselling, and ongoing care. Vinaka vakalevu everyone for your continued leadership, partnership, and commitment to ensuring that no one is left behind. Together, we are building a stronger, community-led HIV response for Fiji. ❤️

Fiji Network Plus extends our best wishes to Dr. Jason Mitchell as he represents Fiji at AIDS 2026 in Rio. Thank you for your unwavering commitment to ensuring Fiji's voice is heard on the global stage and for continuing to advocate for stronger partnerships and community-led HIV responses. We are proud of your leadership and wish you every success as you share Fiji's story with the world. Vinaka vakalevu Vuniwai 🫡❤️.

FIJI TO DRIVE ACTION & PARTNERSHIPS AT AIDS 2026 IN RIO

Senior health official Dr. Jason Mitchell will address the 26th International AIDS Conference in Rio de Janeiro to outline the national response to the world’s fastest-growing HIV epidemic.

Dr. Mitchell, Interim Lead of Fiji’s Sexual and Reproductive Health & HIV Unit and Chair of the National HIV Taskforce, will speak at an international media roundtable co-hosted by Australia’s Peter Doherty Institute, ASHM Health, and Health Equity Matters at 12:00 PM BRT (3:00 AM Thursday, Fiji Time).

Dr. Mitchell emphasizes the need for direct international support and community focused care.

“Fiji is currently navigating the fastest-growing HIV epidemic in the world. Addressing a national outbreak of this nature requires absolute clarity, urgent international solidarity, and an unflinching focus on community-level healthcare delivery.”

"Being present at AIDS 2026 allows the Ministry to ensure that the story of our epidemic is told accurately and responsibly. As global funding frameworks undergo major restructuring, a locally led, Pacific-driven response must be articulated directly by Fiji."

The briefing at the Riocentro Convention Center comes as international health organizations adapt to shifting global funding structures. Health experts warn that maintaining targeted support for emerging hotspots in the Pacific is critical to stopping wider regional transmission.

In response to escalating transmission dynamics identified by UNAIDS, Fiji’s Ministry of Health and Medical Services is expanding key frontline interventions including decentralized testing, harm reduction, and community-led outreach campaigns.

Dr. Mitchell will speak alongside representatives from civil society, including Living Positive Fiji, and regional public health partners.

He is also scheduled to address a conference session on indigenous healthcare equity on Wednesday afternoon (Thursday morning Fiji time), focusing on HIV strategies for Pacific Island communities.

A JOURNEY OF HOPE: HOW A SIMPLE VISIT CAN CHANGE A LIFE ❤️. Every home and hospital visit reminds us that behind every person living with HIV is a story, a struggle, and a hope for a better tomorrow.

Today, Fiji Network Plus continued its Home Visitation Programme, one of our core services dedicated to ensuring that no one living with HIV walks their journey alone.

While our HIV Peer Counselling Programme Manager, Mx. Rochelle, visited few Safe Home partners to deliver care packs and transport assistance for community members needing to attend HIV Hub appointments and other essential health services, our Executive Director, Mr. Colati spent the morning visiting community members admitted to hospital.

What we witnessed today reaffirmed why this programme matters.

One community member shared that after days in hospital, they had been worrying about just one thing: "HOW WILL I GET HOME?" With little money for transport, that journey seemed impossible. Today, with transport assistance from Fiji Network Plus with grant support from Medical Services Pacific (MSP), they left knowing they could return home safely and with dignity.

Another community member told us that the support would allow them to buy fresh fruits and vegetables, something they had been unable to afford while focusing on medical expenses. It was a simple need, but one that meant better nutrition, better recovery, and renewed hope.

THESE ARE NOT JUST STORIES ABOUT TRANSPORT ASSISTANCE or CARE PACKS. They are stories of fear being replaced with relief, uncertainty being replaced with hope, and isolation being replaced with compassion. They remind us that HIV CARE DOES NOT BEGIN and END AT THE CLINIC. Sometimes, what keeps someone connected to treatment is KNOWING THAT SOMEONE WILL VISIT, LISTEN, CARE, and HELP remove the barriers that stand in their way.

This is why Fiji Network Plus remains committed to community-led care. Every visit strengthens trust. Every conversation restores hope. Every act of kindness helps someone stay connected to treatment and live with dignity.

Today was more than a home visitation. It was another reminder that when communities stand together, lives are changed, one visit, one conversation, and one act of compassion at a time. ❤️

We extend our heartfelt appreciation to Medical Services Pacific and Health Equity Matters for their valued partnership and generous support of this programme.

A Message from Fiji Network Plus | WORLD HEPATITIS DAY

Yesterday, 28 July, was World Hepatitis Day.

If you are living with HIV, this message is for you.

Some people living with HIV also have hepatitis B or hepatitis C without knowing it. These INFECTION CAN SLOWLY DAMAGR THE LIVER and, IF NOT TREATED, CAN LEAD TO SERIOUS HEALTH PROBLEMS.

If you are living with HIV, ASK YOU DOCTOR or NURSE about getting tested for hepatitis B and hepatitis C. A simple test can help you better understand your health.

If you have NEVER BEEN TESTED, your next clinic visit is a good time to ask.

At Fiji Network Plus, we believe that EVERY PERSON LIVING WITH HIV deserves to live a long, healthy life.

One simple question at your next clinic visit could make a big difference:
"Can I be tested for hepatitis B and hepatitis C?"

Take care of your HIV. Take care of your liver. Take care of yourself. 💚🌺

OUR PRAYER AND THOUGHTS FOR CHILDREN LIVING WITH HIV

Today, Fiji Network Plus holds every child living with HIV in Fiji and around the world in our hearts and prayers.

Every child deserves the opportunity to grow up healthy, loved, accepted, and free from stigma and discrimination. No child should have to face barriers to healthcare, education, or a hopeful future because of their HIV status.

In Fiji, the reality remains deeply concerning. Between 2022 and 2025, 67 children (0-14 years) were diagnosed with HIV, with the majority of these infections resulting from mother-to-child transmission. In 2025 alone, 17 children lost their lives to HIV-related illnesses, again predominantly linked to mother-to-child transmission. BEHIND EVERY NUMBER IS A CHILD WITH DREAMS, a family carrying hope, and a community that has a responsibility to act.

We pray for every child living with HIV, that they receive timely diagnosis, life saving treatment, compassionate care, and the love they deserve. We pray for their parents and caregivers, that they find strength, hope, and support throughout their journey.

We also pray for our healthcare workers, community organisations, governments, faith leaders, and partners, that we may work together to ensure no child is left behind. With early HIV testing during pregnancy, access to treatment, and continued care for mothers and babies, MOTHER TO CHILD TRANSMISSION IS PREVENTABLE, and NO CHILD SHOULD BE BORN WITH HIV.

May we replace stigma with compassion, fear with understanding, and silence with action.

TO EVERY CHILD LIVING WITH HIV: You are loved. You are valued. You are NOT defined by HIV. Your life matters, and together we will continue to stand beside you until every child has the opportunity to live a healthy, happy, and fulfilling life.

Our prayers are with you today and always. – Fiji Network Plus

Every Pacific voice deserves to be heard. 🌺 Supporting means investing in community leadership, human rights, and a more inclusive Pacific. Fiji Network Plus stands in solidarity with this important regional gathering and encourages everyone who can to support this initiative. Every contribution makes a difference. Pacific Sexual and Gender Diversity Network - PSGDN

Your Support Matters!

Support the 4th Pacific Human Rights Conference on SOGIESC+ (PHRC 2026) and help ensure community representatives, youth leaders, and human rights defenders from across the Pacific can take part in this important regional gathering.

PHRC will be held in Tahiti from 19–21 October 2026.

Every contribution helps strengthen Pacific-led advocacy, leadership, and collaboration for a more inclusive future.

📌 Refer to the flyer for more information and find out how you can support .