HIV transmission cannot be stopped if stigma and discrimination are not, according to President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau.
Ratu Epeli, who was speaking at the launch of Empower Fiji's new name and logo in Suva last Friday, said everyone must work together to address this growing concern.
"This is a challenge to every person to be leading lights for these changes," he said.
"Moreso, we have to address as well gender inequality as well as to eradicate gender-based violence.
"All these are aimed at attaining the three zeros - Zero new HIV infections, Zero discrimination and Zero Aids related deaths." Ratu Epeli commended the work of civil society organisations in response to the HIV-AIDS epidemic.
"I urge all civil society organisations and stakeholders to keep joining hands together in the response to this global concern.
"My challenge to civil society organisations is to implement strategies in eliminating these social ills which is not only an ongoing obstacle in our response against HIV and AIDS but a monumental obstacle to positive progress all round."
Ratu Epeli is a former UNAIDS special representative in the Pacific and currently Fiji's special representative on HIV and AIDS.