1.2 Sexually Transmitted Illnesses (STIs) in PNG
It is difficult to estimate prevalence rates for Sexually Transmitted Illnesses in PNG, but rates as high as 60% have been cited for some areas.
Factors contributing to the spread of Sexually Transmitted Illnesses include:
- lack of knowledge about the symptoms of these illnesses
- fear of being stigmatised for seeking treatment
- lack of health services in some areas, including shortages of effective antibiotics
- non-consensual sexual relations including forced sex, and sex with minors
- individuals having numerous sexual partners
- lack of availability or acceptance of condoms
It is generally agreed that Sexually Transmitted Illnesses and HIV interact to make both problems worse:
- a person who has an STI is more vulnerable to HIV infection
- a person who is HIV positive is more vulnerable to developing an STI
- behaviours that contribute to the spread of STIs also contribute to HIV transmission – for example, having multiple partners, not using condoms
- people are reluctant to be tested for STIs or HIV for fear of being stigmatised, and therefore do not access medical treatment