A national response to the hiv epidemic in Papua New Guinea

In the context of the HIV epidemic in Papua New Guinea, sex workers and males who have sex with males (MSM) engage in potentially risky sexual practices which remain under archaic criminal laws.1 Those at risk continue to face prejudice, moral condemnation, and violent abuse from some sectors of society, as well as harassment by police and blackmail, which are aimed especially at MSM. Their vulnerability and lack of security impacts on the national response, as it drives them underground and alfects their access to treatment and services. However, ongoing educational projects by MSM groups and sex workers appear to be improving police attitudes.