Stigma kills: How Fiji’s HIV crisis impacts mothers and babies

Fiji has the world's fastest growing rate of HIV transmission and it's not only high-risk groups being impacted.  Babies are being born with HIV through a process now called vertical transmission - where they get it during pregnancy or birth or breastfeeding. However, vertical transmission is very avoidable.  The key is getting tested early and getting that lifesaving treatment, but to do that, first women need to overcome stigma and misinformation. This week on Sistas Let’s Talk Natasha Meten speaks to three women about the issue including a HIV positive mother who managed to avoid passing the disease on to her child.  “Sarah” anonymous Fijian mother who is HIV Positive Renata Ram, UN AIDS Pacific HIV Advisor Kaylene Kalmos, the National HIV and STI Officer for the National HIV program in Vanuatu Listen on ABC Radio Australia