Partnership The Key To Tackling HIV, STDs in PNG

Partnership is the key to success in tackling HIV and STIs in PNG

This week in Port Moresby, a landmark partnership, the PNG-Australia Sexual Health Improvement Program (PASHIP), has been formalised to tackle the spread and treatment of Sexually Transmitted Infections, particularly HIV.

The PNG Government, the Australian Government and local and Australian NGOs have joined together in a 50 million Kina ($20 million AUD) program to take a proactive approach in tackling the scourge of HIV that is estimated to affect up to 2.5% - or 150,000 people in Papua New Guinea.

Caritas Australia, is in charge of rolling out the new partnership in the Southern Highlands, Simbu and the National Capital District of PNG, whilst four other NGOs and health providers will be involved in a total of eight provinces.

Caritas Australia CEO Jack de Groot said "This unique partnership to tackle Sexual Transmitted Infections, particularly HIV in PNG is indicative of the role and responsibilities that church agencies like Caritas Australia has in our neighbouring countries.

"Currently the Catholic health system delivers around 25% of PNGs total health services and this partnership is also recognition of the important role that the Catholic Church and other Churches play in delivering basic services to many in the Pacific. The PASHIP initiative has at its core the building of capacity for local organisations to tackle STI and HIV problems".

"Working at the grassroots level is crucial to effectively tackling STIs in PNG. Our work focuses on education, prevention and treatment and reflects our philosophy of promoting the dignity of people. We are able to carry out this work in a culturally appropriate manner as our partners are part of local communities. This is crucial in challenging the stigma that is still associated with STIs and HIV in many parts of PNG", said Mr de Groot.

"PASHIP is innovative in that it recognises that PNG has many issues it must face. HIV is a crucial one but we must not be neglectful of the many other issues that affect people's health in PNG. The flexibility of this new initiative is based on supporting local organisations to strengthen their abilities to deal with the key health problems facing PNG. In this way we are offering not a band aid but a long term solution built on the skills and capacity of local people: said Mr de Groot.
In launching the partnership Australian High Commissioner to PNG, Mr Chris Moraitis, said by funding PASHIP, the Australian Government recognises PNG is facing serious issues in the area of sexual health. "Many provinces in PNG report alarmingly high death rates due to problems of untreated STIs, and of course, STI infection is strongly linked to HIV infection," he said.

Dr Timothy Pyakalia, Deputy Secretary, National Department of Health. emphasised that PASHIP is a partnership between Australia and PNG, NGOs and government departments. He also emphasised the need to build capacity, which is a key element of this program.

Dr Pyakalia said that "the current arrangement with the Churches - who deliver the bulk of health services in remote and rural areas - was made in the 1980s. Back then HIV wasn't a problem. Then, PNG had a population of 3 million; now it has over 6 million. Then, 250,000 people had malaria, now over 2 million suffer from it. The Churches are being asked to take on more. This program is important in helping to building capacity."

ENDS

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