Global AIDS - Papua New Guinea

HIV/AIDS screening urged for newly-weds - Courier-Post. Pt. Moresby 27 October, 2004

Blood test a must - Bun
HIV/AIDS screening urged for newlyweds

YOUNG people intending to get married should undergo compulsory blood testing to ensure they do not carry the HIV virus. This might sound too harsh a move, but one that was needed now to ensure the country arrests its spiralling statistics on the number of people with HIV/AIDS.

Making the suggestion yesterday, Parliamentary HIV/AIDS Committee Chairman Dr Banare Bun said discussions on this option was vital if Papua New Guinea was serious about fighting HIV/AIDS which could see 20 per cent of the population infected in 10 years.

The Henganofi MP made the suggestion after receiving more shocking news last week that those with the highest infection rate are in the age group 13- 31 years. He also appealed to parents to keep a close eye on their children to ensure they did not engage in pre-marital sex.

“Before a groom and bride tie the final knot, parents must arrange for them to have a blood test first,” Dr Bun said. “It is only proper for both the young man and woman to be tested negative before marriage could be arranged. I am making this call because a lot of young people are running around with the disease and they are likely to pass it onto their partners when they marry.”

He said both people in the marriage must know they were free of the HIV virus before the marriage.

Dr Bun also appealed to young people to stay away from sex and to “remain virgins until you are married’’.

All efforts should also be made to have open discussion of sex, sexually transmitted diseases and the male and female reproductive systems in the home and classrooms to help break down cultural taboos on the subject of sex.

He said everything must be done to protect the country’s young generation as it was its future.

If nothing was done now, the country stood to lose its most productive citizens for the next 20 years.