People with special needs are prone to sexual health problems like HIV, Sexual Transmitted Infections (STI) and a lot of them become victims of pregnancy and sexual abuse.
International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF)-PNG Family Health Association is focused on addressing these issues and is looking into programs that will address these areas of their needs.
IPPF program officer Jennifer John says a lot of times we think that they are living with a disability so they don’t have feelings.
“Most of the times we tend to disregard their sexual needs but people with special disabilities are just like all of us.
“Their sexual needs have to be also addressed,” she said.
IPPF deals with sexual reproductive health problems and advocates for sexual reproductive health rights for people of every walk of life.
It focuses on the poor, marginalized, socially excluded people and people with special needs who are part of the programs it does.
The organisation also provides clinical services for family planning, sexual reproductive health services like STI, HIV and outreach program for young people.
“One of the things you will see in the health services, the sexual reproductive needs of people with special needs are overlooked,” she added.
The IPPF vision is to ensure everyone’s rights are respected as human beings and they must exercise their rights as individuals and provides services for people with special needs.