Voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) is vital when dealing with people who have made a decision to get tested for HIV/AIDS.
David Yaka Mano, a trainer for the National HIV/AIDS training unit of the International Education Agency (IEA) and also a officer with the PNG Correctional Service said this while conducting a two-week VCT training for the staff of the PNG family Health Association (PNGFHA) in Lae.
PNGFHA works in the areas of family planning and sexual/reproductive health.
Mr. Mano said that when people assess their sexual behaviour and think that they have been in a risky situation or relationship, they make a decision to go for HIV testing.
“That is when they must be able to freely access VCT services.
“They go through consultation before the test then have the HIV test, then whether their status is positive or negative,” he said.
He said that VCT was offered because it reduced stigma, ”Mr Mano said.
“If people are able to get good information and if they consider the risks they are taking, they are less likely to stigmatise others.
“If people know they are HIV negative and have accurate information they are more likely to protect themselves in the future.
“If people know they are HIV positive and have accurate information about HIV, they are more likely to adopt safer sex practices and so reduce transmission to others,” he said.
Mr Mano said that the HIV/AIDS quarterly report released by the National AIDS Council in December 2006 showed there are 18,484 people living with HIV/AIDS.
He said: “All sectors including government or non-government organisation must co-operate and work together to effectively address the issue of HIV/AIDS.
As an officer of the PNG Correctional Service, I praise my department for its role in partnership with stakeholders and National AIDS Council in addressing this epidemic.”