Page 5 - IB February 2025

A NOTE FROM THE EDITOR

DO YOUR PART TODAY

As the number of people living with HIV and AIDS begin to rise across the Pacific,
it is time to renew our commitment to rid the region of this modern plague. Publisher & Editor
Too many of our people have succumbed to the ravages of this killer while in the Netani Rika
prime of life.
Some of them have left behind families, forced to fend for themselves after the General Manager
loss of a sole breadwinner. Samantha Magick
Others have been forced to live with HIV or AIDS because of the selfishness of a
spouse or partner. Sales, Marketing & Subscriptions
Waisale Rokotuiveikau
All concerned have been left to pick up the pieces and attempt to live life the
best they can under extremely difficult financial and psychological circumstances. Reporters
Even the national economy has not been spared the ravages of what is, Aisha Azeemah
essentially, a lifestyle disease. Ema Ganivatu
When a person is claimed by AIDS, thousands of dollars goes to waste in a loss not Prerna Priyanka
often seen by the public.
Gone are thousands of dollars in training, education and preparation for
promotion.
More money must be spent by employers to seek or train replacements for Designer
someone who could so easily have avoided death. Dick Lee
Thousands of dollars must be spent on tests on the dead person’s sexual
acquaintances and interviews of friends and relatives. Contributors
This is money which could be put to much better use in the provision of health Jon Fraenkel
services for the benefit of all. Alipate Pareti
AIDS can be prevented through our actions and habits. Sera Tikotikovatu-Sefeti
It cannot be contracted from animals, mosquitoes, through spit, water, an Lisa Williams
infected person’s cough or through sewage as is so common with transmissible
diseases in our countries.
There are rare occasions when HIV—the virus which leads to AIDS—is transmitted
through infected blood. IsIslands Business is published monthly by
Front Page Pte Limited
The main causes of transmission, however, are the sharing of dirty needles by drug Editorial & Advertising Offices
users or through sex. GPO Box 12718, Suva, Fiji Islands
Sex remains the main mode of transmission in every Pacific community although in Tel: +679 9719660
Fiji, needles are an increasing threat.
In order to address the issue of AIDS, it is imperative that we take a serious look Emails
Editorial: editor@islandsbusiness.com
at sexual practices. Subscriptions: subs@islandsbusiness.com
There can be no better way to stop transmission than through abstinence from Advertising: marketing@islandsbusiness.com
the sexual act.
Many religions espouse this in their teachings and recommend sex only after
marriage. Printing:
We are not so naive as to believe that this is acceptable or possible to all people. Printhouse Pacific Pte Limited, Suva, Fiji Islands.
There is, therefore, the option of being faithful to a single partner.
Some would argue that while one may be faithful, there is no guarantee that the
partner will act with the same fidelity.
www.islandsbusiness.com June/July 2024 FJD $8 www.islandsbusiness.com
And so, there are condoms that can protect both partners during the act of December 2024 FJD $8
intercourse.
If you haven’t started using one of these methods, you must begin to do so today.
FESTPAC: A MEETING
Netani Rika OF CULTURE, HERITAGE TJIBAOU - LIKE FATHER, LIKE SON
AND SOLIDARITY
Fiji: Eyes wide shut
Fiji: Eyes wide shut
Fiji: Eyes wide shut
Sports: A Pacific basketball star rises
Sports: A Pacific basketball star rises
Sports: A Pacific basketball star rises
PERSON OF THE YEAR
PERSON OF THE YEAR
PERSON OF THE YEAR
TJIBAOU - LIKE FATHER, LIKE SON
TJIBAOU - LIKE FATHER, LIKE SON
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Islands Business, February 2025 5