K50m Aust program for HIV

THE Papua New Guinea Government’s campaign to fight the spread of HIV will be further strengthened by a K50 million program funded by the Australian Government to provide sexual health services in PNG.

The new PNG-Australia Sexual Health Improvement Program (PASHIP) focuses on reducing the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), to reduce the spread of HIV. It is part of the broader Australian Government program of support for PNG’s response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic.

“As PNG marks World AIDS Day, the Australian Government reaffirms its long term commitment to stand side-by-side with the Government and people of PNG in the fight against HIV and AIDS,” said Margaret Thomas, head of AusAID in PNG.

People will be able to access improved sexual health services including detection and treatment, prevention advice, and education and counselling. The new program will work with communities and existing health services to improve the way STIs are detected, treated and prevented.