The AIDS Action Council of the ACT has chosen to commemorate this global event with a global focus; looking beyond Australia’s borders to the epidemic in the wider region.
Many countries in the Asia-Pacific are scrambling to tackle emerging HIV epidemics. The crisis is especially pronounced in Papua New Guinea, where an estimated 60,000 people are living with HIV, but treatment access remains low.
Igat Hope (‘There is hope’ in Tok Pisin) is the target of the AIDS Action Council’s fundraising efforts this World AIDS Day. Igat Hope is an HIV/AIDS organisation run by and for people living with HIV, and has been supported by Australian AIDS Councils.
“We have always acknowledged the central role of positive people in our Australian response” said AIDS Action Council General Manger, Andrew Burry. “It is therefore fitting that we should work hard to help a peer-based organisation that operates in an incredibly difficult environment.”
At the launch of World AIDS Awareness Week Kenn Basham, a long-term HIV/AIDS activist and person living with HIV, spoke of his experiences working with the fledgling organisation.
“In Australia we’re lucky. We are enjoying life and taking control” he said. “As someone who has been fighting HIV/AIDS for 20 years I feel it is important to help our positive brothers and sisters take control of their lives.”
“It is devastating to consider that a woman I met may die because she cannot get the 5 Kina (A$2.40) a month to travel to the clinic for her medications. Even on treatments she faces the danger of violence as someone openly living with HIV.”
“Igat Hope has a vital role to play in forcing the community to confront the epidemic throughout PNG.”
Canberrans can help by purchasing a Red Ribbon during World AIDS Awareness Week. Money raised is going to Igat Hope, an organisation for people living with HIV/AIDS in Papua New Guinea.
(ENDS)
For more information contact:
Andrew Burry: mobile 0412 882 855
andrew.burry@aidsaction.org.au