MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Gallus
A program to build, renovate and equip clinics to treat sexually transmitted
infections (STIs) across PNG was announced today by the Parliamentary Secretary
to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Hon Chris Gallus MP.
The $12 million program will run for three years, starting later this year.
It will commence in areas with the highest rates of STIs and HIV and eventually
cover all 20 provinces of PNG.
Mrs Gallus said the program would aim to improve access to quality health
care, especially the detection and treatment of sexually transmitted infections.
'High rates of STIs are linked to HIV, which is a rapidly emerging health
problem in PNG,' Mrs Gallus said.
In rural areas, where many health services are non-existent, a range of
primary health services would also be offered in the new clinics.
'PNG's National Health Plan has identifed the incidence of STIs is
unacceptably high, and the need for improved health services has long been
recognised,' Mrs Gallus said.
'In addition to constructing clinics, the program will provide medical
equipment and work with other Australian Government aid projects to train health
care workers,' Mrs Gallus said.
This program builds on the success of an earlier AusAID project that built or
renovated 12 clinics in the PNG Highlands.
A recent review found these low maintenance pre-fabricated clinics have
improved access to services and increased testing for and treatment of STIs and
HIV. The clinics are operating well and have also significantly increased
community education about STIs.
Media contacts :
Tristen Slade (Office of the Parliamentary Secretary) 0411 287 257
Jo Elsom (AusAID) 02 6206 4960/ 0412 804 489