Lived Experience

Our Kaimahi, Kaiwhakahaere and Board of trustees have years of 'Lived Experience' when it come to HIV. We believe in the philosophy of operating from actual lived experiences and provide services from a whānau based paradigm. This is what makes INA unique. See about.

Whānau centred approach is our strength, however, we have people living with HIV where no one in their lives know they have HIV.

You are not alone

Many indigenous whānau we have worked with believed sometimes that they were the only ones living with HIV in their whānau, hapū and iwi. Sadly this is not the case nationally, regionally or internationally.

There are many living in silence that we are able to speak LOUDLY for.

No One Left Behind

Māori and Indigenous people are in danger of being left behind. Today when all goals and strategies are promoting the UNAIDS slogans of Fast tracking, and 90, 90, 90 - By 2020, 90% of all people living with HIV will know their HIV status. By 2020, 90 % of all people diagnosed with HIV will be receiving sustained and consistent antiretroviral therapy. By 2020, 90% of all people receiving antiretroviral therapy will have viral suppression. The dangers of these ambitious goals for Indigenous peoples, for Māori and Pasifika peoples, will end up being the 10,10,10. Not knowing their HIV status due to lack of testing availability in our communities, lack of treatment due to poverty, inaction, and late diagnosis. The after affects of colonisation and low health care statistics. And viral load suppression will not occur without the above.

As part of INA's strategy we use a two-pronged approach with whānau living with HIV, to include them and make sure they do not get left behind.

Whānau Support and Development

We provide tailored workshops and programmes that will;

• increase whānau knowledge about HIV;
• increase whānau and their skills in managing HIV;
• Assess whether the workshop/programme has had a positive impact on their lives;
• Inform whānau about stigma and discrimination. Knowing their rights and empowering them to defend themselves in a myriad of situations from doctors, nurses, schools, teachers, social workers, CYFs police and many many more..;
• advocate on their behalf with their permission when they feel they are unable to do so;
• Increase their confidence in discussing HIV within the whānau, hapū or iwi.
• Provide upskilling or share resources for, training and opportunities, that will develop their abilities, skills and coping mechanisms within society;.
• Provide referral services to other agencies and services on a case by case basis.

Advocacy and Activism

INA is well placed to provide personal advocacy (as above), national, regional and international advocacy as when required. Graduating to activism should the situation warrant direct action. Challenging discriminatory practices that disadvantage whānau living with HIV.