Condom awareness programs in PNG continue to remain a public health concern. Majority of the country’s population live below the poverty line with low literacy levels. Lack of knowledge of condom use and availability is worrisome especially for the sexually active population.
Three districts in Central have already begun distribution of condoms for the 2022 National General Elections.
According to Central HIV/AIDS Provincial Coordinator Mr Gairo Kapana, out of the 5 districts in the province, Rigo, Abau and Kairuku districts have already received their boxes of condoms to be distributed at the polling areas.
“A total of 15 boxes of condoms (10 boxes of Male condoms and 5 boxes of Female condoms) were given to be distributed accordingly by all district coordinators to the 5 districts in the province. Each district will receive 2 male boxes of condoms and 1 female box of condom each, says Mr Kapana.”
Since the month of January, Central province has seen 133 new cases of HIV/AIDS from their 24 sites in the 5 districts in the province.
“He says, awareness is on-going and messages are given to the people but it’s always up to them to take it or live it.”
He is also urging his people to be very careful during this peak period as they are expecting to see an increase in the number of cases.