HIV/AIDS centre opened in Fiji
15/07/2009
A new centre to focus on improving research into rising HIV/AIDS rates across the Pacific has been opened in Fiji.
Radio Australian reports that the aim of the new facility will be to raise awareness about the disease in the region.
The Pacific STI and HIV Research Centre at the Fiji School of Medicine is expected to initially focus on improving education and behaviour surrounding HIV/AIDS issues in Papua New Guinea due to the region's high HIV infection rate.
Dr Dennie Iniakwala, the head of the STI/HIV section at the Secretariat of the Pacific Community, explained: "We are currently seeing two distinct epidemics that are unfolding. There is a generalised epidemic in Papua New Guinea and the low prevalence (epidemic) in other Pacific Islands countries and territories."
He added that the initial investment in the centre is relatively high but in the long-term it could play a vital role in developing initiatives that work effectively.
According to the Australian government, two per cent of Papua New Guinea's adult population are now HIV-positive.
Written by David Cooke
