HIV prevalence less than expected

HIV prevalence less than expected in PNG

The most comprehensive report yet on HIV shows that prevalence of the virus in Papua New Guinea is at epidemic levels but is not as high as most thought.

Until now it was thought that 2 per cent or more of PNG's population was infected with HIV AIDS.

A UN report, with input from an unprecedented number of organisations says the figure is less, about 1.6 per cent.

Community Services Minister Dame Carol Kidu is cautiously optimistic that change is taking place.

"I think it does indicate that maybe there is some increase awareness going on and acceptance of the message and our behavioural change because of the message," she said.

However it is estimated that 60 per cent of those infected do not know it and it is in the rural areas where the virus is really taking a stranglehold.