HIV/AIDS Epidemic in Papua New Guinea

The prevalence rate of HIV and AIDS has gone beyond two per cent, which as per the United Nations means that Papua New Guinea is experiencing an epidemic.

A former director of the secretariat, Wep Kanawi attributed the lack of awareness and prevention programmes for HIV and AIDS in the country due to the amalgamation of the secretariat and the Department of Health. Kanawi said the government has rescinded its earlier decision to amalgamate the secretariat and the NAC secretariat will revert to being a standalone entity. “This will allow it to carry out its legal duties and responsibilities as spelled out under the HIV and AIDS Prevention Management Act to allow for more intervention programs to be designed and rolled out nation wide. An understanding is expected to be signed between the NAC Secretariat and the West New Britain Province to bring back HIV and AIDS awareness prevention programmes.”

Kanawai said a team from the NAC Secretariat has been in Kimbe holding consultations with the West New Britain provincial administration and the provincial health authority to develop the MoU.