PNG AIDS budget slashed despite epidemic

1 Dec 2008, 2:29 pm   -   Source: AAP
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Monday is World AIDS day and despite a HIV/AIDS epidemic in Papua New Guinea, the government has slashed its budget to combat the spread of the killer disease.

Monday is World AIDS day and despite a HIV/AIDS epidemic in Papua New Guinea, the government has slashed its budget to combat the spread of the killer disease.

PNG's 2009 budget cuts AIDS funding from 101.3 million kina ($A59 million) this year to 76.2 million kina ($A44 million), PNG's National newspaper reported.

AusAID estimates two per cent of PNG's population is infected with HIV/AIDS, affecting between 40,000 to 60,000 people, the highest in the Pacific region.

They fear by 2025 more than 500,000 people will be living with HIV/AIDS.

Australia will give PNG $100 million to tackle AIDS through a five year program that started in January last year.

But due to the depreciation of the Australian dollar it's estimated that package's value is now reduced by 30 per cent.

An AusAID spokesman in Port Moresby told AAP Australia remains firmly committed to supporting PNG in meeting the challenges of HIV and AIDS.

"While Australia is disappointed with this outcome we are hopeful that this decision will be reviewed and PNG will continue to build on its commitment over previous years in the fight against HIV and AIDS," he said.

The PNG government did not return repeated calls for comment.

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