She said HIV is not only a medical or hospital issue, but one that must be discussed openly within families, communities, and churches.

“HIV is a sensitive issue. The MoH has policies in place treating HIV as a sexually transmitted infection, and this work has continued for more than 20 years,” she said.

Mrs. Tokon said the ministry works closely with communities, leaders, and regional partners to improve awareness and education, particularly through programmes targeting students, decision-makers, and key institutions.

She said the MoH focuses on three core public health messages: prevention, early testing, and treatment.

Prevention, she said, remains essential at all times, with people encouraged to practise safe behaviours and access health information through public health teams and community outreach.

She said early testing plays a vital role.

“Early testing allows for early diagnosis, which helps reduce viral load and allows people to live healthy and productive lives.

“Millions of people worldwide live with HIV and continue to enjoy life when they are diagnosed early and receive proper treatment,” she said.

The DG said treatment is also central to the response, with doctors and health workers providing ongoing care so people living with HIV can manage the condition effectively.

She also raised concerns about stigma and discrimination, particularly on social media, and urged the public to act responsibly when discussing sensitive health matters.

“We do not want discrimination or stigma. Individuals need to take responsibility for their own health and for protecting the wider community,” she said.

Mrs. Tokon said people should take responsibility for prevention and regular testing, even if they believe they are HIV negative, to protect themselves and others.

She said the MoH continues to work closely with the Ministry of Education and other partners to deliver awareness programmes, particularly among students and vulnerable groups.

Providing an update on HIV in Vanuatu, Mrs. Tokon said there are currently 15 reported HIV cases, up from 14 last year following the detection of one new case.

She said some cases may remain undetected due to limited testing and people not coming forward, pointing to the need to expand testing and early diagnosis.

She also provided regional and global context, noting that around 39 million people worldwide are living with HIV, while about 120,000 people in the Pacific region are affected. In Fiji, more than 1,000 new HIV cases were recorded last year.

DG Tokon said although Vanuatu’s population is small, HIV must still be taken seriously, with responses tailored to local realities.

She encouraged people across all provinces to access testing services through health facilities and provincial health offices, and to seek guidance from health workers, parents, community leaders, and church leaders where appropriate.

She said the MoH remains committed to improving access to testing, prevention measures, and treatment, while protecting confidentiality and ensuring respect for those affected.

Mrs. Tokon also said seasonal workers should receive proper health education and debriefing upon returning to Vanuatu, with family involvement where possible, to ensure awareness of health risks and prevention.

She further noted the role of churches, pastoral leaders, and community organisations, including the Vanuatu Christian Council, in supporting health awareness and reinforcing public health messages.

The discussion pointed to the need for coordinated efforts between government ministries, churches, and community leaders to strengthen health education, prevention, and reintegration support for returning seasonal workers.

SOURCE: VANUATU DAILY POST