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| New HIV/AIDS study to focus on attitudes | |
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THE National Research Institute
has been given the go-ahead to begin monitoring and studying the
behaviour of people and HIV/AIDS under a three-year programme which will
cost more than K3 million. Instruments to effect this three-year research work were signed by heads of the Health Department and the institute in Port Moresby yesterday paving way for the setting up of a HIV/AIDS behavioural office. Experts said information collated will be incorporated into the National HIV/AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Infections Surveillance Plan 2008-2010. THE signing of a memorandum of Understanding yesterday between the National Research Institute (NRI) and the National Department of Health formalises the beginning of a HIV/AIDS behavioral surveillance research to be carried out by NRI. The NRI will be establishing a HIV/AIDS behavioral office and is in the process of screening applications of people who have applied for positions for this programme which will run for three years. The Asia Development Bank (ADB) has already given half of the funding that would be needed to carry out this research work while the other half would have to be secured from other donors. The annual cost of the behavioural surveillance would be K1.2 million (US$417,000). Health Secretary Dr Clement Malau said that data from their research would provide that would aid the department in their decision-making and implementation of the fight against HIV/AIDS and STI. “It is critical that the health department makes decisions based on evidence only,” Dr Malau said. NRI director Dr Thomas Webster said the research was aimed at capturing people’s behaviour and the way they thought and responded on HIV/AIDS. “We look forward to the support from the Health Department and hope to carry out more awareness in writing and research, seminars, and through the various media outlets,” he said Meanwhile, Port Moresby social worker Tessie Soi says the number of bedridden HIV/AIDS patients at the Port Moresby General Hospital has increased. Ma Soi said many of the patients are just lying in the hospital without the right care and treatment they deserve. Ms Soi, who is the director of Friends Foundation and vice-president of the PNG Social Works Association, said family and relatives continue to neglect them. She was speaking during the International Social Works Day at the University of Papua New Guinea. “HIV/AIDS patients need more than just medication. |
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