Treataware in Port Moresby

NAPWA’s continuing partnership with the Igat Hope [1]Organisation representing people living with HIV/AIDS in Papua New Guinea. ('Igat Hope' means 'There is hope' in Tok Pisin, the national language of PNG). Board and members took another leap forward with several training days in Port Moresby on the 20 & 21 May. The days addressed HIV education requirements for HIV positive peers.

The program was developed and delivered by NAPWA’s Treataware project and local health workers. Thirty eight prospective positive peer HIV educators attended over the two days. Dr Anne Mijch (HIV physician) and Jenny McDonald (Nutrition for Life) gave informal presentations. Dr. John Rule (NAPWA), the Susu Mumas (maternal health care workers) and Igat Hope Board and members co-facilitated the sessions. Sr. Sawiya from the Heduru Clinic co-facilitated and also interpreted for participants.

A full but flexible program covered the basic science of HIV, PNG [2]Papua New Guinea’s HIV epidemiology [3]The branch of medical science that deals with the study of incidence and distribution and control of a disease in a population., a comprehensive overview of issues related to HIV treatment, care and support, the doctor/patient relationship, women, pregnancy, and children, and diet and nutrition. Case studies, role plays, surveys and quizzes helped to stimulate discussion between facilitators and participants.

Participants’ feedback described the training as informative, useful and fun. They said it either reinforced previous knowledge, or they learned something new that would be useful for sharing with positive peers.

Capturing the enthusiasm of all involved, Igat Hope President Peter Momo launched the Report from Igat Hope’s 2008 Conference. The national conference was a first for positive people in PNG. A major recommendation from the conference was a call for more treatments literacy training for PLHIV [4]Person (or people) Living with HIV. This term is now preferred over the older PLWHA. and the training days are among the first actions in response to this recommendation.

At the conclusion of this successful training program, all stakeholders equally recognised the importance of the partnership. It is anticipated that similar and more far-reaching activities will take place in 2009 – 2010.

NAPWA is very pleased with the outcomes from the training program, which supports our view that engagement with local people always serves well for reciprocal learning and networking opportunities.