Rise in HIV cases in Hela, SHP a concern

By YVONNE HAIP
A YOUTH leader in Tari, Hela, is concerned about the alarming rate of HIV/AIDS in Southern Highlands and Hela.
Youth Workers Association coordinator Timon Henry said the reported rise by 240 confirmed cases last year meant it was time provincial authorities do something to curb the epidemic.
“The provincial administration cannot solely rely on churches and non-governmental organisations to fund and implement programmes,” he said.
“So much money has been pumped into the country by donor agencies to fund the work of fighting the spread of HIV/AIDS but there is nothing to show.”
Henry commended the Catholic church for implementing effective HIV/AIDS programmes in the province and educating people on its dangers.
Of the 240 cases, Imbonggu district recorded the highest number, followed by Tari-Pori, Mendi-Munihu, Nipa and Koroba-Kopiago.
Henry said the increasing number of cases would hinder development.
He said the allocated funds were either being diverted or “clogged up somewhere” because results of the fight were poor.
Henry said there was a lack of relevant information about the effects of HIV/AIDS in the rural areas and the message had to be brought to these areas with the help of the provincial administration.