Fiji’s fight against HIV and AIDS is gaining support from a new group of young community advocates, with 15 youths from across the country’s provinces trained to take awareness and prevention messages directly to their communities.

The youths graduated today after completing an eight-week Certificate in Community Health (Addressing HIV and AIDS in Fiji) Level 3 programme, delivered by Australian Pacific Management and Training Pte Ltd (APMT).

The programme equipped the graduates with practical knowledge and skills in HIV and AIDS awareness, prevention, stigma reduction, community education, harm reduction and support services.

Representing the 14 provinces, the graduates are expected to use their networks and connections within their villages to educate communities, encourage HIV testing and support the Ministry of Health’s efforts to address the growing number of cases in Fiji.

Lomaiviti representative Mere Gaunavou said the initiative will allow her to reach young people across the islands and encourage them to take responsibility for their health.

She believe young people are more likely to listen to and relate to messages delivered by their peers, making youth-led awareness an effective way of reaching communities.

Gaunavou hopes to use the knowledge gained through the training to encourage more young people in Lomaiviti to come forward for HIV testing and learn about prevention.

Meanwhile, APMT trainer Meredani Rokorua said the eight-week programme was designed to prepare the participants to independently carry out awareness activities in their respective communities.

She is confident the graduates will put their training into practice and help strengthen HIV and AIDS education at the grassroots level.

Outstanding graduate Alan Samuel, who represented Tailevu, said young people have an important role to play in addressing the rising number of HIV cases in the country.

He believed young people can have a greater impact by educating and empowering their peers, particularly through open discussions about HIV prevention, testing and reducing stigma.

With the graduates now returning to their respective provinces, the initiative aims to extend HIV and AIDS awareness beyond formal health programmes and into villages and communities across Fiji.

Their challenge now is to turn the knowledge gained through training into meaningful action, encouraging more people to get tested, seek support and make informed decisions about their health.