Polygamy spreads HIV in Papua New Guinea

HIV infections in Papua New Guinea have been exacerbated by men with several partners who have failed to seek medical advice, it has been reported.

Although polygamy is common in the country, so are extra-marital affairs, which increase the risk of infection, according to health workers in the country.

"Our women don't have much say as to how things are done. Once you get married you submit to your husband, and that extends to the bedroom," Agnes Mek who runs a health centre told IRIN News.

She revealed wives had little control over contraception or HIV testing.

HIV prevalence is expected to climb to five per cent of the six million population by 2012 in Papua New Guinea from two per cent at present, with the majority of cases in rural areas.

An increasing number of children are becoming orphaned as their parents die from Aids.

Life expectancy is an average of 60 years for men and 64 years for women in the country, according to the World Health Organization.

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