Clinton assists Papua New Guinea AIDS fight

Sydney, Dec 3: Former US president Bill Clinton was made an honorary chief in Papua New Guinea today after signing an agreement to help combat HIV-AIDS in the South Pacific island nation.

Clinton praised PNG leaders for facing up to the challenge of HIV/AIDS and not denying its threat, in a country where the disease is often regarded by villagers as sorcery and its sufferers persecuted.

''My belief is we can overcome this challenge if we move from denial to embrace,'' Clinton said during a 20-hour stopover as part of a trip through Asia, Australian Associated Press reported.

AIDS experts estimate about 100,000 people are infected with HIV-AIDS out of the island's 5.4 million people, most of whom live a rural subsistence life, and the country is on the verge of an epidemic that could kill millions.

Papua New Guinea Prime Minister Michael Somare said in a statement Clinton's visit had helped raise awareness of HIV-AIDS.

''You are helping us to help those infected, including the most vulnerable, our children, who have contracted the HIV-AIDS virus,'' Somare said.

He said it was estimated that 1,200 children were born HIV positive in Papua New Guinea every year, but children with HIV-AIDS were often abandoned.

''With the arrival of this 'new' virus, fear has turned families and relatives away from supporting their loved ones,'' he said.

Somare awarded Clinton the nation's highest honour, making him a Grand Companion of the Order of Logohu, allowing Clinton to use the title ''Chief''.

The Clinton Foundation's work in PNG includes provision of AIDS drugs, the training of doctors and nurses to administer drugs and other technical assistance.

Australia announced on Friday an extra 169 million dollars to combat AIDS in the Asia-Pacific, including a new five-year programme in Papua New Guinea where Australia has already trained 620 health workers and 1,400 counsellors.

REUTERS

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