As we commemorated International Women’s Day 2025 on 8 March, themed “All Women, All Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment,” it is crucial to reflect on the intersection of gender equality and health, particularly in the fight against HIV in the Pacific.

Women’s access to HIV prevention and treatment is not just a health issue; it is fundamentally a rights issue. Despite this, women across the Pacific continue to experience multiple deeply rooted barriers such as stigma, financial dependence, gender-based violence and limited access to healthcare putting their health and wellbeing at risk. 

To combat HIV effectively in the Pacific, the response must go beyond policy commitments: through gender-responsive healthcare systems, scaling up community led services and empowering the people to dismantle the harmful social norms which prevent women from seeking the appropriate care. 

Through the Multi-Country Western Pacific Health Program, UNDP and partners are working to address these barriers, strengthen health services, and centre the voices of women in shaping solutions.

The Gendered Impact of HIV: Understanding the Barriers

Women in the Pacific face a greater risk of HIV due to systemic inequalities that shape their daily lives.

Dr. Helen Tuatagaloa, a Public Health Medical Officer in Samoa, said:

“Women who fear being judged or mistreated may avoid testing and treatment, allowing the virus to progress untreated. Gender-based violence further exacerbates these challenges by creating an environment of fear and control, making it difficult for women to access healthcare services or adhere to treatment.”

Addressing the overall well-being of women living with HIV involves considering their living situation, past trauma, and access to resources. 

Dr. Jason Mitchell, Chairperson for National HIV Outbreak and Cluster Response Taskforce in Fiji highlighted that according to recent data, stigma, legal barriers, and service availability significantly obstruct women’s access to HIV services.

“Women in Fiji and across the Pacific face unique and intersecting challenges in accessing HIV services. According to recent data, stigma, gender-based violence, legal barriers, and limited-service availability continue to hinder women's access to essential HIV prevention and treatment services. However, integrated health services, peer-led outreach, mobile clinics, and psychosocial support networks have proven effective in increasing access and retention in care.”

Dr. Tuatagaloa and Dr. Mitchell collectively identified various forms of challenges are faced by women when accessing HIV prevention and treatment services ranging from economic and financial challenges to cultural and social norms, limited access to services, stigma and discrimination and gender-based violence.

Progress and Impact: Expanding HIV Prevention and Treatment

Significant strides have been made in expanding HIV services for women in the Pacific. Over six years, testing rates have increased, reflecting greater awareness and accessibility. In recent years, through UNDP’s support under the Multi-Country Western Pacific Health Program, 1,646 female sex workers across Cook Islands, Fiji, FSM, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Palau, Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu accessed HIV prevention services and testing, showcasing the reach of targeted outreach programs across various countries. 

Breakdown of female sex workers reached are as follows:

• Cook Islands – 24
• Fiji – 92
• FSM – 198
• Kiribati – 610
• Marshall Islands – 81
• Niue – 0
• Nauru – 0
• Palau – 10
• Samoa – 41
• Tonga – 273
• Tuvalu – 5
• Vanuatu - 312

Out of the 1646 female sex workers reached, 53 percent were above the age of 25, 27 percent were between the ages of 20 and 24, and 20 percent were below the age of 20.

In addition to prevention, providing life-saving treatment and support has been a priority, with 200 women currently receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART), supported by clinical mentorship to ensure they receive high quality care. 

Successful Initiatives

In Fiji, peer-led community outreach has been essential in reaching women in informal settlements with HIV education and prevention strategies. 

Dr. Mitchell highlighted improvements in the Prevention of Parent-to-Child Transmission program, although challenges remain, with many women still being diagnosed late. Mobile outreach has expanded testing access in remote areas, reducing geographic barriers.

Organisations like the Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre offer safe spaces for survivors of violence, combining HIV services with legal and psychosocial support. Economic empowerment programs help women living with HIV achieve financial independence, reducing reliance on partners who may obstruct their healthcare access.

In Samoa, community-based programs effectively reduce stigma and increase service access by engaging local leaders in education and prevention. Dr. Tuatagaloa emphasised the importance of integrating HIV services with maternal and child health, making it easier for women to access comprehensive care.

Psychosocial and Social Support

Providing emotional and psychological support for women living with HIV is essential, combining peer support, legal protection, and mental health services. Survivor-centered policies and trauma-informed care help women cope with gender-based violence effects while remaining on treatment.

UNDP Multi-Country Western Pacific Health Programme Manager, Mr Ludo Bok said that removing age restrictions for HIV testing has increased access to services among adolescents in PNG and other Pacific Island Countries.

“Peer outreach programs have been effective in reducing HIV infections and gender inequality by ensuring that adolescent girls and young women receive treatment and avoid infection. Peer-led mentoring programs have helped women recover from trauma, improve treatment adherence, and reintegrate into society.”

The Road Ahead: Ensuring No Woman is Left Behind

Looking forward, expanding access to HIV prevention and treatment is essential, particularly for marginalised communities. Tackling violence and stigma requires a united effort to strengthen policies and programs that protect women’s rights. 

It is crucial to enhance gender-sensitive policies addressing violence, stigma, and economic disparities while increasing education and awareness. By driving innovation in prevention tailored to women's needs, we can ensure that no woman is left behind in the fight against HIV.

A Call to Action

To improve the wellbeing of women living with HIV, we need a stronger, targeted response. Expanding access to testing, treatment, and prevention services in underserved communities is essential. Strengthening policies that address gender-based violence, stigma, and economic disparities will foster a supportive healthcare environment.

To further reduce HIV infections and improve the well-being of women living with HIV, a stronger, more targeted response is needed. Expanding access to HIV testing, treatment, and prevention services—especially in underserved communities—must be a priority. Policies addressing gender-based violence, stigma, and economic disparities should be strengthened to create a supportive environment for women.

By addressing gender inequality in healthcare, we can ensure that all women and girls receive the care, support, and dignity they deserve in the fight against HIV.

For more information, please contact:

Ashna Kumar, Communications Associate | UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji | (E) ashna.kumar@undp.org