Tattooists alarmed by HIV risks

SAMOA – A Samoan tattooist says people wanting to get tattoos – including the traditional Samoan tatau for men and malu for women – should have blood tests beforehand.

This comes after Samoa’s Ministry of Health confirmed a tourist, whose tattoo got infected, had tested positive for HIV.

The tattooist, Petelo Suluape, told a meeting of local tattooists and top health officials who got together to discuss safety measures, that the blood test result was a “wake up call”.

He said the tattooist’s organisation now had a consent form for anyone wanting to have a pe’a or tattoo, and that they will need to have a health clearance, including a blood test, before undergoing the procedure.

The Director General of Health, Leausa Dr Take Naseri, told the tufuga, or tattooists, of the importance of ensuring safety from blood borne diseases such as hepatitis and HIV/AIDS.

“This is the time that we will look back, share our experience and knowledge and build a solid foundation, especially considering the protection of our people, the practitioners, of those receiving the tattoo to be safe from all blood borne diseases and infections,” he said.

- RNZI