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The National/ Pacnews
Wed, 2 Jul 2008
PORT MORESBY, PNG ---- Papua New Guinea (PNG) has the highest number of HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted infections in the Asia-Pacific region, medical experts have said, reports The National.
Medical researchers and experts attending the 40th anniversary and colloquium of the PNG Institute of Medical Research (PNGIMR) were told that PNG has the highest HIV/AIDS and STI rate in the region.
Dr John Millan made this known while making a presentation on HIV/AIDS at the Dr Adolf Saweri lecture theatre at the institute headquarters yesterday. He said 94 percent of these infections were through heterosexual practices and 4 % through other means.
Dr Millan said more than 23,000 cases were reported by December last year with 5,000 new cases - an increase of 13 percent with more than 76,000 people infected. It is predicted that more than 127,000 people in PNG will acquire HIV/AIDS and STI by the year 2010.
According to raw data obtained from Mingende and Kundiawa hospitals in Simbu province, Dr Millan said girls aged between 10 and 15 were the highest. He said infections are high for young females and older males.
“National Capital District tops the list followed by Western Highlands, Eastern Highlands and Simbu,” Dr Milla said.
He said cases in rural areas are increasing while slow growth is being experienced in the urban areas.
In a separate Sexual Health in PNG presentation, Dr Greg Law alluded that STIs and HIV are prevalent where women rights are least valued and respected.
Dr Law said sexual health needs to be promoted in PNG with good sexual hygiene, access to proper water supply. He said denial and lack of power to discuss sexual health issues are contributing to the increase in STIs and HIV/AIDS.
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