Stigma hurts reporting of HIV/AIDS: Report

The National National

THERE are 48,000 people living with HIV/AIDS in the country and the danger of more cases not reported is because of stigma and discrimination, according to a report.
The Kauntim Mi Tu Multi-Site Summary Report 2018, an Integrated bio-behavioural survey indicated that the group of people like sex workers, people who use drugs, homosexuals are at risk and are experiencing rates of 8 to 20 per cent prevalence.
“They face stigma and discrimination, as a result they are not accessing health services where they could be tested and access live-saving treatment,” says United Nations Resident Coordinator Gianluca Rampolla.
“Wherever the right to health is compromised, HIV spreads.”
He said the engagement of the faith community in PNG is paramount to achieving the UNAids fast-track targets and the Sustainable Development Goal target of ending AIDS as a health threat by 2030.
“Countries, faith communities and other partners recommitted to these targets during the United Nations General Assembly high-level meeting on ending AIDS in New York in June 2016,” Rampolla said.
“Where countries adopted a political declaration on ending AIDS and the faith community issued a call to action to ensure that no one is left behind.” In the call to action, faith leaders pledged to take significant and sustained action during the next five years in four particular areas, that are:

  • Reducing stigma and discrimination;
  • Increasing access to HIV services; and
  • Defending human rights and ensuring treatment for children.

“Here in PNG, these areas of action are critical for ending AIDS,” Rampolla said.