Standing with Native Hawaiians & Pacific Islanders Living with HIV

Real Talk with NMAC

In Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities, there are amazing people who have dedicated their lives to the people of these communities living with HIV. In this episode, Peter Tuiolosega Silva of Kumukahi Health + Wellness on the island of Hawaii talks with advocates David Utuone and Carolyn Kualii, or Aunty Carolyn. Together, they discuss what Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities need most when it comes to today’s advocacy for people living with HIV.

Because of historical events, the United States government has a unique responsibility to island communities across the Pacific, especially when it comes to healthcare. Aunty Carolyn explains the dynamic of this relationship and discusses the need for more data on Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders living with HIV. Peter, David, and Aunty Carolyn also discuss how HIV has affected their communities, what they want people to know about the inclusion of Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders in HIV funding, where they receive solidarity, and how their communities can further encourage and normalize HIV testing.

PrEP Pono

National AIDS Memorial Quilt

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