Presenter: Rebecca Kubu Authors: Gorman, H., Buko, A., Colati, J., Itimwemwe, B., Kubunavanua, R., Nayasa, L., Seduadua, M., Senikaucava, T. AIDS 2014 July 2014 Melbourne, Australia
Introduction Establishment of HIV-related health services in the early 2000s Method – a participatory study. 49 PLHIV interviewed from 5 Pacific Island countries Results Barriers to accessing health services Dealing with mental health issues: stress, side-effects stigma and discrimination Mental health affects adherence yet paid little attention
Conclusion Acknowledge important role of mental health in supporting treatment adherence and improve mental health services for Pacific PLHIV Acknowledgements Participants who shared their stories Research Team: Team Leader – Hilary Gorman (Cook Islands) Peer Researchers – Alice Buko (Solomon Islands), Buraua Itimwemwe (Kiribati), Eti Seki (Samoa), Joeli Colati (Fiji), Luke Nayasa (Fiji), Margaret Seduadua (Fii), Rebecca Kubu (Fiji), Tita Senikaucava (Fiji) Training Support – Karen McMillan & Sesenieli Naitala, International HIV Research Group