Attitudes and Behaviours Towards HIV and AIDS and Persons Living with AIDS

This article is based on a baseline research conducted in the three locations of Raikos, Ambunti/Dreikikir and Jimi Valley Districts in February 2005. The research was part of an assessment for Tokaut AIDS, an effort to gain a greater understanding of approaches that will prove effective and appropriate in combating HIV/AIDS in PNG by attempting to gain a deeper appreciation of the attitudes held by rural community members within target districts. In each location, a total of 48 in-depth interviews were carried out, 50% from a ‘local’ area, and 50% in a ‘remote’ area. A number of specialized community agents were also interviewed in each location according to availability: church and community leaders, hospital and aid post staff, traditional healers, bush doctors or midwives. This article presents the results of this research. Acronyms AIDS Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome HIV Human Innumodeficiency Virus PLWHA Person Living With HIV/AIDS PNG Papua New Guinea