The Ministry of health has refuted allegations made by Fiji Network For People Living with HIV Aids Program Manager, Jokapeci Tuberi Cati that some women who are HIV positive are still discriminated against in hospitals.
Permanent Secretary of health Dr Salanieta Saketa said the ministry has not received any report on the matter after Cati claimed that HIV positive mothers were the last to receive meals and some receive cold food and it was common in 2004 and 2005.
However, Dr. Saketa said they will look into those allegations.
Meanwhile, as today is World Aids Day, the World Health Organisation has issued new advice on the treatment of HIV saying drugs should be given earlier and even be prescribed to breastfeeding mothers.
The WHO said adults and adolescents should receive anti-retroviral therapy when their immune system strength falls below 350 cells per cubic millimeter of blood.
In 2006, the organisation had set the level at 200 cells per cubic millimeter.
WHO Assistant Director General HIV/AIDS, Hiroki Nakatani said their widespread adoption will enable more people in high-burden areas to live longer and healthier lives.
The WHO also recommended pregnant women exposed to the virus could be treated with ant-retroviral drugs (ARVs) from the 14th week of pregnancy and that treatment could continue during breastfeeding.
Health Ministry refutes allegations
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