By Staycey Yalo – EMTV News, Port Moresby
The Igat Hope’s 3rd National Conference on people living with HIV or Human Immunodeficiency Virus, started today in Port Moresby at the Mahuru Sea view Hotel.
The meeting commenced with discussions on psychology of HIV treatment trainings with interactive discussions on physical, social and emotional challenges of taking HIV treatment in PNG.
Igat Hope is a PNG non-Government organisation that has been working with people living with HIV in the country.
To date, it has about 10 sister network organisations around the country identifying and helping the affected population.
Representatives from the Australian Society for HIV, Viral Hepatitis and Sexual Health Medicine APMG Health, provided training and facilitated discussions on physical, social and emotional challenges of taking HIV treatment.
In Papua New Guinea most people with HIV do not know their status; in addition there is a lack of understanding of the virus amongst those who are affected as well.
While PNG has an Adherence rate of 95% in terms of HIV treatment, evidence in other countries proves that limited-resource countries still can have a high adherence rate.
Conference attendees were made aware of the types of treatment and the effects on their body, and how to keep their mind positive as it all contributes to their well-being.
The workshop will continue for the next two days.
Igat Hope aims to help people living with HIV understand the HIV treatments.
