10 November 2017

In Papa New Guinea, the risk of acquiring HIV is up to 7 times higher in women with violent or controlling intimate partners. The regional manager of the National AIDS Council Secretariat, Valentine Tango stated that "gender-based violence is a major driver of HIV in women. It affects the ability of women and girls to protect themselves from HIV, prevent unintended pregnancies or access HIV prevention services." He also noted that the traditional perception of masculinity enables and encourages men to dominate sexual decision-making.

Tangoh said the best way to address gender-based violence is to break through harmful gender norms of society by including both men and women in various advocacy programs.

Read the full article online here.