World AIDS Day, December 1st highlights the need for more focus on HIV/AIDS and ensuring everyone has access to medical testing, treatment, and care across the world.
Papua New Guinea has the highest HIV incidence and prevalence in the Pacific.
According to UNAIDS, approximately 45 000 people are living with HIV in the country, of whom 65% are on antiretroviral therapy.
With proper medical care and antiretroviral drugs, HIV infection has become a manageable chronic health condition, enabling people living with HIV to lead long and healthy lives.
Knowing your status also means better health outcomes and reduces the likelihood of further transmission to others.
At the Sir Brian Bell Foundation, we are proud to do our part to bring awareness on HIV/AIDS in our communities providing access to health information and working with various organizations as well as making testing available to all potential blood donors at the Sir Brian Bell Centre for Transfusion during mini-physical examinations.
All blood donors are provided with a mini health check which includes HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis, STDs, and numerous other diseases that can be found by testing the blood.
“We encourage everyone to be informed learn about HIV/AIDS and get yourself tested and know your status to help us in our plight to stop the disease impacting our communities.
Start conversations, seek advice if you have questions and most importantly break the stigma so more people will access care” commented Sir Brian Bell CEO Bronwyn Wright.
World Health Organisation:
The global HIV response is in danger, even as HIV remains a major public health issue that affects millions of people worldwide.
Over the last few years, progress towards HIV goals has stalled, resources have shrunk, and millions of lives are at risk as a result.
Division, disparity, and disregard for human rights are among the failures that allowed HIV to become and remain a global health crisis.
On 1 December WHO joins partners to commemorate World AIDS Day 2022, under the theme “Equalize”.
WHO is calling on global leaders and citizens to boldly recognize and address the inequalities which are holding back progress in ending AIDS; and equalize access to essential HIV services, particularly for children and key populations and their partners.
Learn more: https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-aids-day
Source: Sir Brian Bell Foundation