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| PNG needs full HIV treatment | |
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By JUNITA SOL PAPUA New Guinea’s biggest problem in the campaign against HIV/AIDS is the lack of treatment for the disease. The UN HIV/AIDS commission for Asia Pacific region visited the country last week to assess the epidemic and its prevention campaign. The group stayed in Port Moresby and visited Goroka before announcing their assessment on areas that needed improvements. Chairman Dr Langi Kavaliku said more money was spent for the campaign against the disease but not much had been done to provide full treatment. “HIV/AIDS patients really need to be given full treatment for them to stay alive; prevention is just one aspect of the campaign,” Dr Kavaliku said. Statistics from their research showed that only 10% of the need was met as not enough money was put into this area which is the crux of the HIV/AIDS campaign. The commission was impressed to see the local communities taking up the fight against the disease and looking after their members living with the virus. It also saw how the communities were working closely with church groups and non-governmental organisations to ensure that people in remote areas are familiar with preventive steps. The commission also said the HIV/AIDS scenario in the country had changed for the better, giving hope to all involved in the campaign that it would still improve. Yet, it also noted that there were many areas that still needed addressing. |
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