Social and Spiritual Ramifications

In PNG, HIV/AIDS is seen as a curse from God and a sign that God no longer loves you. Even being tested is an admission of guilt and if others find out that someone is HIV positive, they are ostracized from the community. The family of the person with this disease are likewise seen to be accursed. Therefore, few want to be tested. They know that if somone is found positive they will be separated from their community and there will be no treatment or support for those diagnosed. And so the disease spreads…