Morobe backs HIV counselling, testing

 By PISAI GUMAR

MOROBE has achieved its milestone aspiration to enrich and strengthen HIV/AIDS provider initiated counselling and testing (PICT) officers in nine districts to implement the programme.

The engagement of Oil Search Health Foundation (OSHF) last year was a boost to collaborate with Morobe provincial AIDS council (MPAC) and the provincial health to achieve the up-scaling.

MPAC coordinator Joanne Ganoka said on Wednesday that involving OSHF for five years resulted in great achievements.

She said that OSHF was engaged to enhance health staff when Huon Gulf, Menyamya, Tewae-Siassi and Kabwum districts were the last districts left to roll-out the counselling and testing.

“Antiretroviral therapy (ART) drug prescribers’ training is to ensure that drugs are made available at all nearby health centres in all districts was the challenge,” Ganoka said.

“That is to ensure when results tested positive, the HIV patients are immediately put on drugs.”

Provincial disease control and management coordinator Edwin Bou said he was concerned about the implementing mechanisms and strategies.