|
|
|
|
|
AUCKLAND
SUMMIT FOCUSES ON PACIFIC AIDS THREAT |
|
By Tuifa’asisina Peter Rees |
|
| |
Pacific Island
nations are bracing for what many experts believe is an imminent
HIV-AIDS epidemic ready to sweep across the region which could threaten
local cultures and way of life.
Though the threat of HIV and AIDS has been prevalent all over the world
for more than two decades, the Pacific has remained relatively
untouched. But recent statistics now show the epidemic is growing worse
with an increasing number of cases being reported. But it is the number
of unreported cases that have many worried.
And that was one of the major focal talking points at the Pan Pacific
Regional HIV/AIDS Conference recently held in Auckland. It was the
first meeting of its kind to be held in the region.
The conference asked just how social stigmas, cultural, economic and
religious barriers have collaborated to hamper efforts to combat the
spread of HIV and AIDS.
Some 450 delegates attended the conference, including international
scientists, researchers, community activists, traditional and religious
leaders, youth groups and health promoters, along with Pacific region
leaders, and people living with HIV.
Delegates were given a traditional Maori welcome at the Orakei Marae
before taking part in four days of lectures, discussions and
presentations at the Aotea Centre in Auckland City. The conference
culminated in a ballroom evening.
The opening speech by New Zealand Aids Federation Director, Rachael Le
Mesurier, set the tone.
“It (the conference) could not have come at a better time. It will be a
clarion call to political, community, traditional and church leaders
throughout the Pacific to unite in the fight against this most deadly
of epidemics which is threatening us all.”
Problems were raised, solutions debated. Prasado Rao, the Regional
Director for UNAIDS Asia Pacific, reassured that the UN would up the
ante in continuing “to engage government and civil society partners to
work towards” eradicating the threat.
Statistics were used to get the message across. Papua New Guinea was
identified as the most under threat. UN agencies estimate about 40,000
live there with the virus. |
|
 |
|
|
Pan Pacific HIV-AIDS conference: Fijian Speaker of the House
Ratu Epeli Nailatikau flanked by members of the attending Fijian
delegation.
(Photo: New Zealand Aids Foundation)
|
 |
|
Pan Pacific HIV-AIDS conference: Delegates from the Solomon
Islands take a rest break in between the proceedings in
Auckland.
(Photo: New Zealand Aids Foundation)
|
 |
|
Pan Pacific HIV-AIDS conference: Delegates from the Samoa Aids
Foundation at the official welcome held at the Orakei Marae,
Auckland.
(Photo: New Zealand Aids Foundation) |
| |
That is 40 times the number of cases reported in other Pacific
nations which is around 1028. Tuvalu and Kiribati have the highest
rates per capita population in the region.
The number of unreported cases is said to be a lot more. The World
Health Organisation says multiplying the total number of reported
cases between 10 and 30 times will reveal the actual figures.
New Zealand is also a nation in crisis with record numbers reported
in the past year.
“If the trend for the first half of this year continues we’ll be
looking at 88 HIV diagnoses. That would be the highest number ever
in the history of the epidemic in New Zealand,” said Tony Hughes,
NZAF Research Director.
Social barriers caused by religion and culture and stigmas against
homosexuals were identified as problem areas in prevention efforts.
There was not enough access to medication for sufferers and
promotion of the use of condoms and other devices.
Combined with social mobility patterns, western influences, gender
discrimination and the increase in substance abuse and sex tourism,
the region was being described as a ticking time bomb.
Pacific Island Aids Foundation CEO Marie Bopp Dupont a well known
advocate in the fight against HIV/AIDS, made a call for fully funded
and voluntary testing and counselling.
Speaker of Fiji’s House of Representatives, Ratu Epeli Nailatikau,
challenged churches to change their attitudes to homosexuality and
condoms, the front line in HIV infection prevention.
“Before our churches can save souls they must save lives,” he
stated.
A closing statement was released at the end of the conference
backing the implementation of the following steps:
• Access to voluntary confidential testing and counselling in all
Pacific Islands.
• Compulsory testing is unacceptable in any circumstances.
• Access to fully funded anti-retroviral medication, and treatment
for opportunistic infections available to all HIV positive people.
• That HIV positive people are always equal partners in policy,
planning and funding decisions.
• Increased coordination and cooperation between Pacific agencies to
maximise the impact of funding.
• That religious leaders take up the challenge presented by HIV and
AIDS and discuss sexuality and HIV issues openly and constructively.
|
|
| |
Copyright Event Polynesia Ltd.
|
|
|
|
|
