The number of children with HIV has increased over the years, says Rory Sitapai.
He is the executive officer of Friends Foundation Inc., an organisation that provides assistance to children exposed to and/or those living with HIV.
The foundation has been working closely with the Port Moresby General Hospital’s Paediatric Ward and the Family Support Centre to identify this group of population.
In the last week alone, he says there were 12 new HIV cases reported.
Sadly, most (children) contract the virus from the parent (mother).
But Sitapai says there are those who have contracted HIV through child abuse and sexual abuse.
“There’s also a lot of cases for child abuse. And unfortunately, HIV is passed through this as well. It’s something that we will be fighting for,” he said.
FFI has over 50 children registered under its two programs.
Sitapai said the foundation also lost many of their children this year.
“These children should not have died,” he said.
FFI will be highlighting statistics in its 2017 report.