Fiji Network Plus

15/05/2026

Every year, communities worldwide come together on the third Sunday of May to honor lives lost to HIV and AIDS, celebrate the resilience of those living with HIV, and renew our commitment to ending the epidemic. This year, we invite you to be part of this meaningful remembrance on Sunday, 17th May.

The International AIDS Candlelight Memorial Service will be held at the Salvation Army Hall, Hospital Road, Labasa. The event is supported by Fiji Network Plus, with generous financial support from Health Equity Matters, in collaboration with Labasa Red Cross Branch and Salvation Army.

Event Details:
- Time: 5:30 PM
- Location: Salvation Army Hall, Hospital Road, Labasa

Come and light a candle in memory of the lives lost to HIV and AIDS-related illnesses. Show your solidarity with people living with HIV, their families, and loved ones. Together, let’s stand united in hope, compassion, and action.

Let’s come together to light the legacy and make a difference!
Health Equity Matters Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
PC: Northern Samar

10/05/2026

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY TO ALL THE AMAZING MOMS LIVING WITH HIV. Today, we celebrate you, the strong, courageous, and loving moms who live with HIV. Your resilience and dedication as mothers, whether you are raising your children alone or with support, inspire us all.

You demonstrate daily that love, hope, and strength know no boundaries. Your journey may have unique challenges, but your unwavering commitment to your children and their futures is truly admirable.

On this special day, we honor you and thank you for your bravery, your sacrifices, and the love you give unconditionally. You are heroes in every sense of the word.

Happy Mother’s Day!

08/05/2026

FJN+ proudly represented at the Women Deliver Conference, with a dedicated member of the Positive Women group participating in this vital global event. The conference offered a valuable platform to deepen understanding of key issues such as climate justice, SRHR, gender-based violence, and the lived experiences of Women Living with HIV (WLHIV).

Key insights from the event included the disproportionate impact of climate change on WLHIV, underscoring the urgent need to integrate HIV responses into climate resilience strategies, especially within Pacific communities. Sessions on SRHR reinforced the importance of bodily autonomy, reproductive justice, and stigma-free healthcare. Discussions on gender-based violence highlighted the necessity for survivor-centered approaches, safe spaces, and community-led advocacy.

Recognizing that WLHIV are often underrepresented, FJN+, together with other WLHIV networks and support groups, actively ensured their voices were heard and amplified, reaffirming our commitment to leadership and visibility for WLHIV.

This experience has enriched the Organization Women Support Group's leadership, advocacy skills, and global networks, emphasizing the critical role of WLHIV in shaping responses to climate, health, and social justice challenges.

A heartfelt thank you to the British High Commission UK in Fiji for their financial support, enabling our representative to be part of this important global discussion. Together, we continue to champion the rights and voices of WLHIV!

06/05/2026

Recently, Fiji Network Plus (FJN+) conducted a productive meeting with the SRH and HIV Unit Fiji, engaging key leaders such as Dr. Emali Tuirara, the HIV Prevention Lead, and Dr. Sonika Shayal, the Central/Eastern S*xual & Reproductive Health Clinic Medical Officer. The discussion centered on formalizing the Peer-Led Counseling Program, with a focus on hosting arrangements, referral pathways, and reporting mechanisms.

This successful engagement represents a significant milestone in advancing HIV prevention and care strategies. FJN+ IS COMMITTED to collaborating closely with the HIV Hub and strategic partners like Medical Services Pacific to enhance retention in care and re-engage individuals who have been lost to follow-up, an ongoing challenge in the national HIV response.

The primary objective is to utilize the Peer-Led Counseling Program to reconnect those lost to follow-up, support retention for individuals already in care, and contribute to the reduction of HIV transmission across the country. Strengthening peer-led support is recognized as a vital component in achieving these goals.

Special thanks are extended to the Burnet Institute and Health Equity Matters for their steadfast support and partnership in this critical mission. Through collective efforts, a lasting impact on HIV prevention and care in the community is anticipated.

Health Equity Matters Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

01/05/2026

A heartfelt thank you to Dean from Burnet Institute for an incredible and successful week! Your support, friendliness, and dedication have made a huge difference in the Fiji Peer Led Counseling program. It’s been truly amazing working with such an inspiring and committed person.

Wishing you all the best on your journey to PNG tomorrow. Safe travels! Looking forward to seeing you again soon in Fiji.

30/04/2026

This morning brought a touch of rain and a flurry of activity at the Capital, marking an eventful week. One of the highlights has been the successful conduct of the Our Peer Counseling training, which brought together a dedicated group of Peer Counselors who will play a vital role in upcoming programs. The training, which concludes today, has been an enriching experience focused on revisiting HIV information, deepening the understanding of Peer Counseling concepts, and reconnecting with both new and familiar members of the Organization.

Special thanks are extended to the Burnet Institute for their unwavering support and leadership as the lead facilitator throughout the week. Their commitment and effort have been instrumental in ensuring the smooth running of the program. Appreciation is also due to Health Equity Matters for their tremendous ongoing support and to Pacific S*xual and Gender Diversity Network - PSGDN for their administrative assistance. Vinaka vakalevu to the SRH and HIV Unit Fiji for graciously providing their conference resources for our training this week. Your support is greatly appreciated!

Looking ahead, there are exciting plans to roll out this program next month in the Central Division, followed by initiatives in the Western and Northern Divisions. Heartfelt gratitude goes to all community members who have shown a willingness to spearhead this effort, working together to promote the quality of life for people living with HIV and contributing meaningfully to the national HIV response.

29/04/2026

Great work by Health Equity Matters in addressing these critical gaps. Fiji Network Plus is also exploring similar initiatives, with a focus on pregnant women living with HIV and women who may wish to have children, emphasizing the importance of early booking, testing, and treatment. We look forward to potential collaboration to strengthen support and awareness. Great Initiative HEM 🫡❤️

From missed diagnoses to gaps in ongoing care, women with HIV are too often overlooked in Australia, particularly in regional areas. Many are diagnosed late, often in GP settings where clinicians may lack up-to-date HIV knowledge.

Women and HIV Today is a new national audio-visual education tool designed to address this gap by equipping healthcare students and professionals with the knowledge to test earlier and provide better care for women with HIV.

In this HIV Australia essay, Heather Ellis from Positive Women Victoria - PWV explores how combining up-to-date science with lived experiences can support future health professionals to test earlier, challenge stigma and deliver more informed, respectful care.

Read more here 👉 https://bit.ly/4hYin7a

NAPWHA | Scarlet Alliance - Australian S*x Workers Association | Australian Injecting & Illicit Drug Users League - AIVL | Thorne Harbour Health | SAMESH | WAAC | NTAHC | Queensland Council for LGBTI Health - QC | ACON | Meridian ACT | TasCAHRD

27/04/2026

SUPPORT and CARE SERVICES are the heart of Fiji Network Plus, serving as our core advocacy since day one (2003). While these vital services faced challenges in recent years due to funding constraints, we are thrilled to share that, thanks to the GENEROUS SUPPORT from Health Equity Matters through the Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade earlier this month, we have renewed our commitment to delivering these essential services with renewed energy and dedication.

Just last weekend, our Office responded swiftly to an urgent request from one of our major partner hospitals. Through our collective efforts, we were able to support a young mother and her babies in need, as well as assist a couple when their wife was admitted to a divisional hospital. As Fiji Network Plus continues to grow, we anticipate that even more community members, both members and non-members, will benefit from our care and support.

We are also deeply grateful to Medical Services Pacific for their earlier support this year, which enabled us to visit community members requiring transportation to clinics and to distribute essential care packages.

OUR WORK IS ONLY POSSIBLE BECAUSE OF THE GENEROSITY OF DONORS AND SUPPORTERS LIKE YOU. Fiji Network Plus relies wholeheartedly on your support to sustain and expand these critical services. If you are inspired to make a difference and help us continue providing hope, care, and advocacy to those in need, please reach out to us at Ph: 502 7078 / 291 2214 or via email at [email protected].

Your support truly changes lives, help us keep the spirit of care alive in our community.

Thank you for your ongoing support and belief in our mission!

A special heartfelt thank you to the Pacific S*xual and Gender Diversity Network - PSGDN for their invaluable assistance with administrative support. Your continued partnership is sincerely appreciated.

07/04/2026

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR PEOPLE LIVING WITH HIV AND CARERS DURING FLOODING AND CYCLONE WARNING

Fiji is currently experiencing a cyclone warning and widespread flooding, which may impact many communities. We want to ensure the safety and well-being of People Living with HIV (PLHIV) and those supporting them during this challenging time.

KEY ADVICE FOR PEOPLE LIVING WITH HIV and CARERS:

STAY INFORMED: Keep updated with official weather reports and advisories from the Fiji National Disaster Risk Management Office (Fiji NDMO).

MEDICATION SAFETY: Ensure you have an adequate supply of your HIV medications. If possible, keep medications in a waterproof and accessible location.

MEDICATION ADHERENCE: A humble plea from your support network: Don’t forget to take your medication. If you accidentally miss a dose, ensure you take it at your next scheduled time. Never skip your medication. Consistent adherence is vital for your health.

EMERGENCY KIT: Prepare an emergency kit with essential items, including medications, food, safe cleaning water, hygiene supplies, and important documents.

HEALTH & SAFETY: Avoid floodwaters and seek shelter in a safe, elevated location. Follow health guidelines to prevent waterborne illnesses.

SUPPORT NETWORK: Stay connected with support networks and local health services. Reach out if you need assistance or medical support. Please always contact 502 7078 (available via call, message, Viber, or WhatsApp) if you have difficulty reaching support or assistance from any of your support facilities.

MENTAL WELL-BEING: Remember to care for your mental health. Reach out to friends, family, or support organizations for emotional support.

Please find attached the public advisory issued by the Fiji National Disaster Risk Management Office (Fiji NDMO) and emergency contact details for your reference and preparedness.

Your safety is our priority. Stay alert, stay safe, and reach out if you need help.

25/02/2026

Fiji Network Plus (FJN+) is proud to be part of an important 2-day meeting currently underway at the Rain Tree Lodge in Coloisuva, which will conclude tomorrow, Thursday, 26th. This gathering brings together key stakeholders involved in the HIV Community-Led Response and Prevention Project, funded by Health Equity Matters (HEM) through the Pacific S*xual and Gender Diversity Network (PSGDN).

This was one of the orientation meetings that FJN+ has been eagerly anticipating, as it will significantly contribute to strengthening processes related to accountability and governance frameworks, both vital for effective management of organizational programs and the CSOs’ HIV response, especially as the Network works to enhance its operations. Today’s session was highly productive, providing valuable insights into financial policies, governance procedures, and monitoring processes.

FJN+ extends sincere gratitude to Health Equity Matters for their ongoing support and commitment to this work. Special thanks also go to Pacific S*xual and Gender Diversity Network - PSGDN for facilitating this orientation meeting and provide logistical support for this important gathering.

This collaborative effort underscores a shared dedication to advancing HIV response initiatives in Fiji, with a focus on community empowerment and sustainable practices.