PNG: HIV, STIs set to rise

Fears that increased movement of people from PNG [1]Papua New Guinea into the Torres Strait Protection Zone will lead to increased HIV transmission and STIs [2][Sexually Transmissible (or Transmitted) Infection] Infections spread by the transfer of organisms from person to person during sexual contact. Also called venereal disease (VD) (an older public health term) or sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). is the subject of ongoing discussion between high level officials from PNG and Australia. So far, tuberculosis has been spread through these increased movements of people from PNG and current estimates that up to 2000 PNG citizens are accessing health services in Queensland each year are adding concerns over border control.

Australia is contributing nearly $60million a year to HIV programs in PNG through AusAID [3]Australian Agency for International Development. Australian Government agency responsible for managing the Australian Government's official overseas aid program. , but this report highlights the need to strike a balance between formal mechanisms of in country support with more regional approaches, including border control and special purpose visas permitting visits to health centres in Queensland.

Source: The Australian March 1, 2008