PREVENTION OF HIV STOPS WITH YOU - PROTECT YOURSELF, PROTECT YOUR COMMUNITY, PROTECT PAPUA NEW GUINEA

Look at this poster. The big message is clear: Prevention of HIV STOPS With You. It does not start with the doctor, the government, or the church. It starts with YOU. Your decision today can protect your life, your family, your community, and our country Papua New Guinea.

HIV is still in PNG, but we have the power to stop it. How? The poster gives us the proven ABC plus D method that is taught in all health facilities in PNG.

A - ABSTINENCE: Choose to abstain for your health.

Abstinence means choosing not to have sex. This is the safest way to prevent HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. For young people, this is the best choice — wait until you are mature, married, and ready. It is not shameful to say no. It is a sign of wisdom and self-respect. If you choose to abstain, you are 100% safe from sexual transmission of HIV. Focus on your education, your sports, your garden, and your future.

B - BE FAITHFUL: Be faithful to one partner.

For those who are in a relationship or married, faithfulness is your protection. HIV in PNG spreads mostly when a person has many sexual partners or has extra-marital affairs. If you and your partner are both faithful to each other and both know your HIV-negative status, your risk is very low. Talk honestly with your partner. One man, one woman, one faithful relationship — this is a strong wall against HIV. Unfaithfulness brings the virus into your house and puts your innocent wife, husband and future baby at risk.

C - CONDOM: Use condoms correctly and consistently.

If you cannot abstain and you are not sure of your partner's status, you MUST use a condom every time. Condoms work when used correctly. Many people in PNG feel shame to buy condoms, but shame will not protect you — condom will. You can get FREE condoms at all health facilities, health centres, and clinics in PNG. Don't keep it in your wallet for months — get a new one. Use it correctly from start to finish. One condom for one act. This protects you from HIV, STI, and unwanted pregnancy.

D - TESTING: Get tested. Know your status.

This is the final and most important part. You cannot protect yourself if you don't know your status. Testing is FREE and CONFIDENTIAL in all health facilities in PNG. As the poster says: TAKE ACTION TODAY. FREE & CONFIDENTIAL TESTING AVAILABLE.

Many Papua New Guineans fear testing, thinking "if I test positive I will die". That is old thinking. Today, with early treatment (ART), people living with HIV live long, healthy lives. They work, they marry, they have HIV-free babies. But you must test early. If you test negative, you get peace of mind. If you test positive, we start you on treatment immediately and you will stay strong. Your result is YOUR secret. No one will tell your wantok or your community.

Your Health Is In Your Hands

At the bottom of the poster it says: "Visit your nearest health centre or clinic for testing, counselling & support." This is true for every province — Goroka, Lae, Mt Hagen, Port Moresby, everywhere. Walk in today.

Together we can stop HIV. Early testing saves lives.

Remember the call: Protect Yourself. Protect Your Community. Protect Papua New Guinea.

Because Prevention of HIV STOPS With You.

For free counselling, call HealthLine: Visit Health Clinic near you. All services are free, confidential and voluntary.