Empowering Pacific Communities: A Review of Regional HIV Prevention and Care Approaches

Authors

  • Dr. Abhijit Gogoi University of Fiji https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1959-6129
  • Dr. Robert Bancod University of Fiji
  • Dr. Dennis Buenafe University of Fiji
  • Mr. Muni Nadan University of Fiji
  • Dr. Aboubacar Kaka University of Fiji
  • Dr. Rachel Nair University of Fiji
  • Mr. Aryan Raj University of Fiji

Keywords:

HIV/AIDS, Pacific region, healthcare access, telemedicine, stigma reduction, public health, community-driven initiatives, mHealth, regional collaboration

Abstract

HIV/AIDS is still a major public health concern in the Pacific, where treatment and prevention are severely hampered by social stigma, physical remoteness, and insufficient healthcare infrastructure. Inconsistencies in intervention tactics and unequal access to healthcare continue to impede efforts to contain the epidemic. With almost 90% of cases reported, Papua New Guinea (PNG) has the highest disease burden, which is made worse by the country's fast urbanization, poor access to healthcare, and irregular condom use. This systematic review aims to analyze current HIV transmission trends, risk factors, and intervention strategies across the Pacific. The study seeks to identify gaps in healthcare infrastructure, assess the effectiveness of community-driven initiatives, and explore digital health innovations such as telemedicine to enhance HIV prevention and care. Using peer-reviewed publications, reports from global health organizations, and regional health policy documents, a thorough literature assessment was carried out. Relevance to HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment, and Pacific healthcare infrastructure was taken into consideration while choosing sources.

Key obstacles and effective approaches were categorized using thematic analysis. The results show that although mobile health (mHealth) programs and community-driven efforts have raised HIV awareness, their effects are still unequal and have limited scalability. People are still discouraged from being tested and receiving treatment because of stigma and discrimination. Addressing these issues requires bolstering public health infrastructure, integrating digital health solutions, and enhancing regional collaboration. A multi-sectoral strategy is needed for a thorough, long-lasting response to HIV/AIDS in the Pacific, with a focus on reducing stigma, bolstering the healthcare system, and integrating telemedicine to provide better access to care. Closing gaps in HIV prevention and treatment requires investment in digital health innovations and regional policy cooperation.

Author Biographies

  • Dr. Abhijit Gogoi, University of Fiji

    Associate Professor, Department of Clinical Sciences, University of Fiji, Lautoka, Fiji
    MBBS, MD

  • Dr. Robert Bancod, University of Fiji

    Associate Professor, Head of Clinical Sciences, University of Fiji, Lautoka, Fiji

  • Dr. Dennis Buenafe, University of Fiji

    Senior Lecturer, Department of Paediatrics,University of Fiji

  • Mr. Muni Nadan, University of Fiji

    Deputy Lab Manager, University of Fiji, Lautoka, Fiji

  • Dr. Aboubacar Kaka, University of Fiji

    Senior Lecturer, Department of Basic Science, University of Fiji

  • Dr. Rachel Nair, University of Fiji

    Assistant Lecturer, University of Fiji 

    MBBS

  • Mr. Aryan Raj, University of Fiji

    3rd Year MBBS Student

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Published

2025-07-22

Issue

Vol. 23 No. 1 (2025)

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Articles

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How to Cite

Gogoi, A., Bancod, D. R., Buenafe, D. D., Nadan, M. M., Kaka, D. A., Nair, D. R., & Raj, M. A. (2025). Empowering Pacific Communities: A Review of Regional HIV Prevention and Care Approaches. International Journal of Applied Sciences: Current and Future Research Trends , 23(1), 76-86. https://ijascfrtjournal.isrra.org/Applied_Sciences_Journal/article/view/1528