Vanuatu has one of the lowest HIV rates in the Pacific, but the health sector says more work is still needed on testing and awareness to ensure people stay safe.

“Overcoming disruption, transforming the AIDS response,” is the strong message in the theme for ‘World AIDS Day’ that the Vanuatu Health Sector released today.

According to a report that the Ministry of Health is releasing, over the last five years the country has recorded 14 people who tested positive for HIV.

But because there is not enough testing, experts say this number could go up if the public is afraid to get tested.

In 2015, official records from the World Health Organization showed that in the year 2015, there were 9 positive cases in the country.

Florita Sitobata, Manager of Communicable Diseases in Vanuatu Family Health, says that even though the number is low, there is still a big chance because of sexually transmitted infections, multiple sex partners, low condom use, and limited access to testing, especially among youth groups.

Florita Sitobata, Manager of Communicable Diseases in Vanuatu Family Health:
“more screening and testing to be satisfied that yes there is statistics that is present and we want the public to help us, come forward to do testing and so they know their status to be safe at all times.”

Director General of the Ministry of Health, Shirley Tokon, says that even though Vanuatu is among the countries in the Pacific with the lowest HIV and AIDS cases, it does not mean we should fold our hands.

She says there is a need for more tests, more public education, and community involvement to make sure the country stays ahead in the fight against HIV, to save lives.

Director General of the Ministry of Health – Shirley Tokon:
“it is time for us to work together to stand in solidarity to combat this infection to be more significant and to come more timely and more critical.”

This year’s World AIDS Day took place in Wansmol Bag area, bringing together local leaders, health workers, the public and youth to raise awareness for the day.

Organisers used the theme “Overcoming disruption, transforming the AIDS response” to call for a strong commitment: to strengthen testing services, reduce stigma, and ensure that men and women living with HIV receive the support and care they need.