ADB Helps to Address HIV/AIDS in Papua New Guinea's Rural Areas
MANILA, PHILIPPINES - The Asian Development Bank’s HIV Prevention and Control in Rural Development Enclaves project has made significant progress following the signing of agreements with two more private sector operators to improve primary health care and HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention facilities. “The existing partnerships with Higaturu Oil Palms, Oil Search Ltd, Porgera Joint Venture, and now new with Ramu Sugar Ltd and Highlands Kainantu Ltd confirm that the Enclaves HIV Project has gained momentum after 9 months of laying groundwork,” said ADB’s Papua New Guinea Country Director Steven van der Tak. “These partnership agreements will facilitate the renovation of rural health centers and aid posts, the training of health workers, and help procure medical equipment and vehicles for supervision and support activities related to HIV and AIDS prevention and care, and primary health care.” The Project proposes to help strengthen government leadership and the implementation of strategies to contain the spread of HIV among rural populations. The Australian and New Zealand Governments are both providing $3.5 million to the co-financed Project. ADB’s grant assistance of $15 million comes from its Asian Development Fund, which provides concessional loans and grants for its poorest developing member countries. The Papua New Guinea Government will provide the remaining $3 million for the project, estimated to cost about $25 million. “Improving surveillance methods to help prevent HIV/AIDS, is an integral part of the Project,” said Team Leader and ADB Health Specialist John Izard. “Surveillance worldwide has had a significant impact by keeping the epidemic in the spotlight. The purpose of surveillance is to enable an effective public health response to the HIV epidemic and all populations under surveillance must be offered effective prevention and care programs.” The Project will also support nationwide social marketing of condoms. Social marketing is a culturally sensitive, consumer-oriented enterprise. Advertising may include but not be dependent on mass media. Social marketing methods may also include: theatrical events, mobile video units, cartoons, clothing with slogans, and print media. Research has already begun, condom orders will soon be placed, key messages, and support materials are being developed. The HIV Prevention and Control in Rural Development Enclaves project focuses on rural areas in Papua New Guinea where communities are located near mines, plantations, and fishing companies. These rural development enclaves are considered to be high risk areas for the spread of HIV/AIDS. The Project is consistent with the Papua New Guinea Government’s Medium-Term Development Strategy 2005-2010 and aims to help control the spread of HIV/AIDS infection by 2015 and stabilize it by 2020. About ADB | 
News and Events 
Top of page
