by Fabian Hakalits – EM TV News, Port Moresby
The National Aids Council Secretariat (NACS) has revealed that intermittent funding has affected the implementation of their programs.
In an exclusive interview, Director, Peter Bire, told EMTV News that for two years the secretariat ceased their programs.
“Funding constraints has prevented us from implementing all programs in the last two years.
“Although the national government has allocated some funds, it was purely for operations,” Bire said.
He also revealed there is a lack of coordination between the National Health Department and NACS.
While appreciating donor efforts, he explained their funds are shared among implementing partners of Non Government Organisations and Churches.
An accurate database system still remains a challenge.
“The National Aids Council Secretariat as the custodian, only reports statistics from patients who visit testing sites, considering many infected, still living in rural areas,” he said.
Bire appealed to the national government to ensure funds are released for their sole purpose.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=qLu3HHXqnv4%3Ffeature%3Doembed%26wmode%3Dopaque%26showinfo%3D0%26showsearch%3D0%26rel%3D0
