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First PNG positive people conference

Positive Living article • Adrian Ogier • 13 March 2009
News Photo: PNG AIDS Conference
Coordinator of Igat Hope, Annie McPherson (r) and delegate Momoru Morea at the inaugural gathering of PNG’s positive people. Photo: John Rule.

The first national conference for people living with HIV in Papua New Guinea (PNGPapua New Guinea) happened late last year. Organised by Igat HopeOrganisation representing people living with HIV/AIDS in Papua New Guinea. ('Igat Hope' means 'There is hope' in Tok Pisin, the national language of PNG). and supported by NAPWA and AusAIDAustralian Agency for International Development. Australian Government agency responsible for managing the Australian Government's official overseas aid program. , the three-day event saw positive people from each of the country’s twenty provinces come together for the first time.

The conference enabled participants to gain new skills and information, and Igat Hope, the national positive organisation, to develop a more inclusive direction.

Recent reports indicate there are over 26,000 people living with HIV in PNG and rapidly rising AIDS statistics each year. Fewer than 5000 people are currently receiving treatment and most of them reside in and around Port Moresby. Only 18 percent of Papua New Guineans live in urban centres.

Response from those attending indicates a thirst for up-to-date information about a range of issues, including HIV treatments, care, advocacy and grant applications.

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From Positive Living

This article was first published in the March 2009 issue of Positive Living — more than one year ago.

While the content of this was checked for accuracy at the time of publication, NAPWA recommends checking to determine whether the information is the most up-to-date available, especially when making decisions which may affect your health.

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