More funds to address HIV/AIDS

 By LEAH OMAE

HIV/AIDS services for most at risk population are expected to improve, with the support from the United States Government, Health Secretary Pascoe Kase says.  

On behalf of the Health Department, Kase signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with USAID in Port Moresby yesterday.

The signing was to strengthen the relationship between PNG and US to address HIV/AIDS in the country.

“This signing is a joint effort to align the HIV/AIDS programme with the government’s goal of the National AIDS strategy plan of 2011 to 2015.

“This goal is aimed at reducing the transmission of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases and to reduce their impact on individuals, families and communities as well,” Kase said.

USAID deputy chief of mission Melanie Higgins said the US Government supported HIV/AIDS programmes for key populations for the past 10 years with the emergence of the President’s Emergency Fund for AIDS relief in 2004.

“Our two projects in Port Moresby and Madang have provided clinical services for more than 7000 clients to get tested and to receive treatment for HIV/AIDS, sexually transmitted infections and tuberculosis,” she said.

“The US Embassy is here to partner with the Health Department to help people have an AIDS-free generation one day. 

“This kind of performance is an example of bringing all resources together with cooperation, working towards achieving the AIDS strategic plan,” Higgins said.

She said the USAID-funded project would continue to provide and expand HIV/AIDS services.