Global AIDS - Papua New Guinea

Moresby AIDS Shock - Courier-Post, Pt Moresby, 25 October, 2004
14 die every day, 115 new cases every month at the POM General Hospital

The Port Moresby General Hospital attends to 115 new HIV/AIDS cases every month and 14 people die from opportunistic infections every day.

National Capital District AIDS Committee chairman Elly Temu gave these shocking statistics during a meeting last week.

The meeting, one of the few held so far, was for the formation of PNG Wise, an umbrella organisation that is aimed at co-ordinating all HIV/AIDS programs conducted by non-government organisations.

Mr Temu said according to the Health Department’s analytical projections, there would be 10,000 infections per month in less than 10 years.

“And (Australian aid agency) AusAID estimates that 40 per cent of the working age population will be decimated in less than 20 years,’’ Mr Temu said.

“Taking current indications, the worst of this epidemic will be centred right here in the NCD.’’

He said everyone was at risk of getting infected or being affected by the disease.

“If no effective action is taken now, there are only two options for you and I — we contract the virus or we do not contract the virus but suffer the effects of the epidemic by paying more for basic goods and services. This is as the cost of living increases due to the decrease in the population, drops in gross domestic product (GDP) and increase in inflation,’’ he said.

Mr Temu said NGOs did a lot to contain the virus but needed an umbrella body to co-ordinate all the different programs.

He said all these different organisations also need to work together and strengthen their partnerships with other key players, including the National AIDS Council, provincial AIDS committees and donor agencies.

Among other issues the new organisation is looking at formulating a constitution and having the group registered as a recognised body. Also at the meeting were United Nations AIDS country co-ordinator Dr Nii Plange and AusAID representative Tracy Newbury, who applauded Papua New Guinea’s efforts so far in dealing with the HIV pandemic.

Global AIDS - Papua New Guinea

Moresby AIDS Shock - Courier-Post, Pt Moresby, 25 October, 2004 14 die every day, 115 new cases every month at the POM General Hospital

Moresby AIDS Shock - Courier-Post, Pt Moresby, 25 October, 2004
14 die every day, 115 new cases every month at the POM General Hospital