AIDS Council expecting 4,000 new cases after polls

THE National AIDS Council (NAC) is expecting more than 4,000 new HIV/AIDS cases after the general election, an official says.
Acting NAC director Tony Lupiwa said this would happen if people did not listen to awareness and prevention measures.
Lupiwa said the NAC would be working with PNG Electoral Commission and the provincial health authorities to distribute condoms, posters and awareness during the polling period.
“We are hoping that people follow what we are asking them, and if they don’t, the consequence is they can be infected with HIV and other sexually transmitted infections,” he said.
Lupiwa said awareness would be conducted to remind people about the consequences of having unsafe sex but it was their choice.
“That is the seriousness of the election period where people will be in the campaign houses and a lot of sexual activities will take place,” he said.
Lupiwa said the Electoral Commission would transport the posters, condoms and brochures to the provinces.
“My message to the country is stick to your partner and if your desire to have sex, use condoms,” he said.
Lupiwa said gender-based violence and Coronavirus (Covid-19) awareness would be conducted.
Gender social inclusive officer Michelle Nilkare said more than 7,000 condoms, 60,000 posters and 100,000 brochures would be distributed to HIV high burden provinces. She said the provinces included Western Highlands, Chimbu, Southern Highlands, Enga, Eastern Highlands, Hela, Morobe, Madang, Central and National Capital District.
“Other provinces like West Sepik is not a HIV high burden but since it is a border province, we include it and West New Britain, because of the oil palm high cash flow,” she said.
The materials would be transported before the issuing of writs.