MEDIA RELEASE
3 June 2007
For immediate release
VITAL RESEARCH FOR PNG’S TOP HEALTH CONCERNS
Studying the social behaviour that leads to people contracting diseases like HIV/AIDS will be a key focus of the Institute of Medical Research (IMR) under a major funding partnership between the Australian and PNG Governments.
The IMR has recently developed Operational Research Units to look at the nation’s biggest health concerns: pneumonia, malaria, perinatal conditions, tuberculosis, meningitis and HIV/AIDS.
“Rather than study the disease, we try to study the people who get the diseases in order to understand their underlying social behaviour,” said Director of the Institute, Professor Peter Siba.
“This contributes to and at times dictates the health problems of the country," he said.
The Australian High Commissioner, His Excellency Mr Chris Moraitis, has acknowledged the IMR’s work which he will see first hand during tomorrow’s visit to the Goroka-based Institute.
Mr Moraitis said: “It is encouraging to see how the Institute has reshaped itself to become a centre of excellence for medical research and academic development.
"Expanding the knowledge base through support for research is an objective of the White Paper on Australian aid and AusAID’s health policy.”
The Australian and PNG Governments have confirmed their support for the Institute with a K35m funding agreement announced in April. The Australian Government will contribute core funding of K20m through its aid agency, AusAID. The PNG Government will contribute the remaining K15m over the same period.
Meeting with key players in the fight against HIV/AIDS is a key focus of the High Commissioner’s visit to Eastern Highlands Province. Other AusAID-supported projects addressing HIV/AIDS in Eastern Highlands include:
• a Catholic Diocesan Health Plan for an orphans drop in centre.
• Save the Children, Poro Sapot Project to reduce risk factors among female sex workers and men who have sex with other men.
• Tingim Laip supporting high risk settings like STI/Voluntary Testing & Counselling referrals and peer education at the Goroka Karakuk Market.
Media Inquiries: Jacqueline Smart, AusAID Public Affairs, Ph: 325 9333