“Respect women and girls”: Madang health CEO links gender violence to rising HIV Cases
The Chief Executive Officer of the Madang Provincial Health Authority, Dr. Martin Daimen said, sexual abuse and violence fuel the spread of HIV in the communities and destroy families, and he is strongly urging men and boys to refrain from abusing women, girls, and children.
Commenting on Madang's HIV status ahead of the World AIDS Day on Decembwr 1, Dr. Daimen has called on all men and boys to respect the female gender.
"Let us treat our women and girls with respect, dignity, and care," he stressed.
He said HIV is preventable and urged every man and woman who are sexually active to get tested so they know their status.
Dr Daimen emphasised, "The earlier you know your status, the better so you can be put on medication. In Madang, we all must work together - health workers, partners, churches, leaders, and the communities - to prevent new infections, support those already living with HIV and break the chain of transmission. It is advisable to take a test whilst you are still healthy."
Madang Province, this year, has recorded 176 new HIV cases. Records revealed that the number of infections amongst females is higher than males.
These are cases from Idinad, Alexishafen, and Topo clinics. The highest record came from Idinad Clinic with 90 females and 53 males. Malala has also recorded HIV cases this year.
Dr. Daimen said, "Madang and Papua New Guinea overall continue to see an increase in HIV cases, including a worrying rise in the number of babies born to mothers who are HIV positive and did not come early for testing or antenatal care.
"This is preventable, and I strongly urge all mothers, fathers, families, and communities - come forward, get tested, know your status, and seek medical help early. Protecting our children begins by knowing our status."
Meanwhile, as part of the World AIDS Day program on Monday, Madang PHA will set up testing tents at Bates Oval.
This will give everyone an opportunity to;
- Check your HIV status confidently,
- Access accurate information about HIV,
- Get counselling and referrals for further support, and
- Receive TB consultations, which will also be available on site.
The global theme for the 2025 WAD is, "Overcoming Disruptions, Transforming the AIDS Response", whilst the national theme is, "Rise above the Challenges to End HIV & AIDS", or in Tok Pisin, "Sanap Wantaim long pinisim HIV na AIDS".
"These themes are strong reminders that although we've faced many challenges in recent years- social, economic, and health- related, our commitment to ending HIV must not weaken," Dr. Daimen reiterated.
As we enter the month of December, Dr. Daimen also thanked everyone, including all health partners, for their continuous support to the Madang Provincial Health Authority in 2025.
MaPHA looks forward to the same partnership in 2026.