Over thirty three thousand people now live with HIV in Papua New Guinea That’sthe latest statistics fromthe National Aids Council.
A presentation onthe Aids epidemic was made tothe Special Parliamentary Committee on HIV Aids yesterday.
Members ofthe Special Parliamentary Committee includedthe two female MP’s Delilah Gore, and Member for Sohe, and Eastern Highlands Governor Julie Soso. Also in attendance was Goilala MP Daniel Mona. The Committee chaired by Member for Samarai – Murua Gordon Wesley.
People aged between 15 and 39 accounts for seventy six percent of all reported cases with more women coming out to be tested.
To datethere are over 33, 000 people living with HIV withthe prevalence rate at 0.8 percent. The Highlands Region hasthe highest number followed by Southern Region and Momase.
The Parliamentary Members were told that more funding came from donor agencies, in fact about seventy percent and yet HIV/AIDS continues to rise. Dr Ben said funding to NACS has dropped from K16 million to K3 million withthe rest diverted to DSIP Funding.
The Parliamentary Members saidthey now havethe funds but admittedthey need guidance on where to spend to combat HIV.
Another presentation onthe AIDS Epidemic will be conducted for the rest ofthe MP’ssoon.
Beidgette Komatep, National EMTV News
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