Write a Comment
6 Comments
Australia has got a long way to go. Yes, I absolutely agree that the attitudes of many here are way way back, circa 1982. Would be great to see that change here for sure! But at least you can fly here for a holiday huh? - I mean you are not barred from visiting this country just because you are HIV+. Think about that one.
Thank you very much for sharing your thoughts. It is always great pleasure to read your posts.
Thanks for sharing your story of your trip! Love the photos too! Are you going to be at Staying Alive? I hope so - would be good to see you again! Best, Jon
As a police officer who was infected with the HIV virus through a work related incident. I think it is important to know that am now a minister and running a ministry that helps the HIV/AIDS population that I typically receive great assistance and concern for people facing the virus. God Bless Rev James Jefferson revjamesj@pldi.net
Regan - It's nice that your Australian visit was so enjoyable, but you've picked up a couple of bizarre tales from PNG and Indonesian Papua and taken them at face value. Yes, there have been women in the PNG Highlands killed as witches, for a long time, and recently over rumors that they're responsible for the spread of HIV; an anthropologist from the Australian National University has documented recent cases and worked on education in the Kopiago area, but this is a long-term problem and, yes, Australian-funded education programs attempt to counter incorrect notions, but it's a long process, especially in dealing with over 800 different language groups and cultures. As for the microchip proposal in Papua, one doctor from outside Papua who is serving on a working party on health legislation there told the Jakarta Post that he thought this was a good idea; they ran the story along with denials from the Papuan AIDS Council and health department that this had been officially proposed, and the global media have as usual with exotic tales picked this up and run with it, without the denials. You might have mentioned that the Aus National Assn of PWA has been running projects mobilising their counterparts in PNG for several years now, with AusAID and some pharmaceutical funding.
edd browne
I just heard Regan on "Talk of the Nation". She hurts the cause with her rain of words and poor logic. Listen to the June 8th replay online, with a critical ear, and you will hear what I mean.
June 8, 2009