The Government is committed to addressing heath issues such as HIV and TB and ensures these are captured in policy document such as the SDG and long tern development plans.
This is what Health and HIV/AIDS Minister Michael Malabag said during the closing of the first HIV Summit for PNG Christian Leaders Alliance at Stanley Hotel on Thursday.
Malabag upon receiving the recommendations presented to him by the Chairman for PNGCLA, Cardinal Sir John Ribat thanked and acknowledged the leaders on their thoughts into the running of this first ever HIV summit for heads of churches in PNG.
“Churches have always been a vital partner in working together with the Department of Health in advocating about HIV and AIDS.”
Papua New Guinea has one of the most serious HIV/AIDS epidemics in the Asia-Pacific region and the deaths due to AIDS is still over 500 per year and this must be reduced over the next two years.
He said one of the key targets is zero new infections among children by the end of 2020.
“PNG being a signatory to the UN Joint Political Declaration in 2011 with a further commitment in 2014 UN General Assembly will ensure that the MDG relating to HIV AIDS will be carried into the SDG and beyond.”
“The National HIV Strategy 2018-2022 was carefully planned to give a stronger response to gender-based violence (GBV) and HIV-related issues.”