Corrections officers listen attentively to Sevuloni Ratu, Assistant Health and Care
 coordinator of the Fiji Red Cross, during the HIV/AIDS workshop at the Suva Corrections Centre. 


Awareness messages on HIV/AIDS should no longer be a taboo in our culture, says Fiji Corrections Service OHS Officer Principal Corrections Officer Suresh Chand. 

PCO Chand made the comment during the one-day workshop on HIV/AIDS for officers and inmates at the Suva Corrections Centre today. 

Officers he said, should be more open with the issue and talk about it. 

“There is no point in hiding anything. It’s time now to come out and be frank with it,” PCO Chand said. 

This is the second workshop organised for officers and inmates to create awareness among them about the causes of HIV/AIDS and its effect on an individual and the community at large. 

“We can only know more about AIDS and its effect through awareness. Through awareness, we can then take preventative measures.” 

Inmate Nancy McGoon, 46, of Suva Women’s Corrections Centre who will be released early next month says being part of the workshop was an eye opener since she has no idea what HIV/AIDS is all about.

“I am so fortunate to attend this workshop because I have learnt a lot. When I will be released next month, I will surely share the message of HIV/AIDS to my friends and relatives on its effect,” Ms McGoon said.


www.corrections.org.fj