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Papua New Guinea HIV Crisis: Funding Cuts Fuel Epidemic
12 Dec
Summary
- Papua New Guinea declared HIV a national crisis amid soaring infections.
- US aid suspension has severely impacted vital HIV clinics and services.
- Mother-to-child HIV transmission rates are alarmingly high globally.
Papua New Guinea has declared HIV a national crisis, grappling with one of the fastest-growing epidemics in the Asia-Pacific region. Infections have doubled since 2010, with a particularly concerning rise among women and children. Mother-to-child transmission rates are among the highest globally, often occurring when mothers are unaware of their HIV status.
The crisis is amplified by drastic funding reductions, including the suspension of US foreign aid. This has severely impacted hundreds of clinics providing crucial HIV support and prevention services, leading to scaled-down operations and reduced awareness programs. Health officials are calling for increased government intervention.
While Australia has stepped in with additional funding, concerns remain about the health sector's heavy reliance on foreign aid. The government acknowledges the need for a long-term strategy to manage the epidemic internally, emphasizing self-reliance to address the ongoing health emergency.
