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  • The main public health clinic in Wamena is swamped with over 200 patients a day seeking various forms of health treatment.<br />
<br />
Wamena currently has 1,894-recorded HIV/AIDS cases, and the number continues to rise.  The main public health clinic in Wamena is swamped with over 200 patients a day seeking various forms of health treatment.  Those who want to get tested for HIV must line up in the morning and register with everyone else.  The cramped HIV testing and counseling room is packed with several clients at a time, leaving no room for privacy and confidentiality.  Counselors are unable to spend much time educating patients and addressing their questions.  The lab responsible for processing the HIV test must also conduct lengthy tests for various illnesses including malaria and tuberculosis.  The overwhelming burden on both the staff and the facility reduces the quality of care.  Despite an increasing desire from the public to get tested for HIV, the clinic limits HIV testing to only 10 patients per day.  The director of the clinic believes that the cap is necessary to maintain quality control and ensure accurate test results.  Nevertheless, sometimes as many as 25 patients visit the clinic to get tested for HIV.  When they are turned away, many patients are discouraged to return.
    _MG_6479.jpg
  • Children and parents from the Husoak village outside of Wamena watch an educational movie on HIV/AIDS.  The film uses the local dialects and also entertaining and informative attracting hundreds of villagers to the showings.<br />
<br />
Perhaps one of the most efficient ways to promote awareness and educate the public on HIV/AIDS is by playing informative movies at open forums.  In Wamena, YUKEMDI, a local NGO run by indigenous Papuans, plays an educational movie in rural villages that uses the local dialects and featuring native Papuans.  The film is both entertaining and informative often attracting hundreds of villagers to the showings.  Villagers receive additional information after watching the movie and are encouraged to ask questions in order to promote communication and open discussions.  However, these screenings are not conducted as often as they should be despite their effectiveness and demands from village elders.  YUKEMDI is unable to reach and provide HIV/AIDS education to rural villages because they have insufficient funding and support to cover the costs of fuel, transportation, and equipments for the movie screenings in remote communities.<br />
<br />
Better methods of education and more effective ways of delivering information on HIV/AIDS need to be implemented in Papua in order to effectively raise awareness and provide accurate and reliable information.  This is an essential step to educate and empower the public to make informed decisions and reduce their vulnerability to HIV infection.
    _MG_3104.jpg
  • Terry is seen inside the Emergency Room of Wamena’s hospital.  Terry (25) had stopped taking his ARV medication because he lived too far from the health center that provided refills and follow-up care.<br />
<br />
Terry traveled hundreds of miles from his village in Lani Jaya to reach the main hospital in Wamena.  His family paid over $100 to charter a vehicle for transportation.  Already in the late stages of AIDS (Stage 4), Terry was carried onto a stretcher because he was too weak to walk.  He had stopped taking his ARV medication because he lived too far from the health center that provided refills and follow-up care.   <br />
<br />
<br />
Many health facilities that provide services and support for HIV/AIDS are located mainly in cities, far away from the majority of indigenous Papuans who live in rural villages.  Due to Papua's arduous terrain, these health centers are often reachable only by planes or sport utility vehicles.  However, the high costs of fuel and expensive fare for transportation means that native Papuans living outside urban settings have limited access to essential care and treatment.<br />
<br />
In Jayawijaya, a mountainous region in central Papua, the average cost for a round trip on public transportation to a neighboring town could cost as much as one's daily earning.  Gas can cost up to $20 per gallon and one might have to travel a full day or more just to reach the nearest health center.  As a result, those who are too sick to make the long journey or cannot afford to pay for transportation end up without treatment.  And those who are fortunate enough to get to a clinic or hospital often wait too long before making the trip.  In many cases, they arrive at the medical center in critical condition with little hope of surviving.
    _MG_6666.jpg
  • David sleeps inside his honai as his wife smokes a cigarette next to him.  His condition has deteriorated despite conducting the adat ritual multiple times.<br />
<br />
David has been HIV-positive for almost 4 years.  His wife is also HIV-positive and they are both taking ARV medication.  However, David did not take his medication properly and his health has declined significantly.  Living in a rural area of Lani Jaya, David's village lacks an adequate health facility, and he must travel hundreds of miles to Wamena to receive care.  Staying in a relative's honai or traditional hut, David's condition deteriorated.  YPKM or the Foundation for the Development of Public Health in Wamena chartered a vehicle to take David to the emergency room.  Frail and in poor health, David barely made it to the hospital.  His white blood cell count was dismal at 24, instead of the typical 700.  At the hospital, David received saline solution and medicines that significantly improved his condition.  YPKM also gave David rice and milk to help him with his recovery.  Nevertheless, after three days in the hospital, David forcefully checked himself out because he wanted to conduct the adat ritual, and the health staff could not prevent him from leaving.  David spent several hundred dollars to purchase two pigs for the ritual.  However, his health deteriorated to the point where he was unable to stand up on his own.  A week after checking himself out from the hospital, David chartered a vehicle to go back to his village to die.
    _MG_5543.jpg
  • Children from Husoak, a village just outside of Wamena, are photograph in front of a projector screen during an educational movie screening on HIV/AIDS conducted by Yukemdi.<br />
<br />
Perhaps one of the most efficient ways to promote awareness and educate the public on HIV/AIDS is by playing informative movies at open forums.  In Wamena, YUKEMDI, a local NGO run by indigenous Papuans, plays an educational movie in rural villages that uses the local dialects and featuring native Papuans.  The film is both entertaining and informative often attracting hundreds of villagers to the showings.  Villagers receive additional information after watching the movie and are encouraged to ask questions in order to promote communication and open discussions.  However, these screenings are not conducted as often as they should be despite their effectiveness and demands from village elders.  YUKEMDI is unable to reach and provide HIV/AIDS education to rural villages because they have insufficient funding and support to cover the costs of fuel, transportation, and equipments for the movie screenings in remote communities.<br />
<br />
Better methods of education and more effective ways of delivering information on HIV/AIDS need to be implemented in Papua in order to effectively raise awareness and provide accurate and reliable information.  This is an essential step to educate and empower the public to make informed decisions and reduce their vulnerability to HIV infection.
    Portrait_Papua_1.JPG
  • Market scene in Wamena.
    HIV/AIDS_Papua68.jpg
  • Market scene in Wamena.
    HIV/AIDS_Papua67.jpg
  • Terry is seen inside the Emergency Room of Wamena’s hospital.  Terry (25) had stopped taking his ARV medication because he lived too far from the health center that provided refills and follow-up care.<br />
<br />
Terry traveled hundreds of miles from his village in Lani Jaya to reach the main hospital in Wamena.  His family paid over $100 to charter a vehicle for transportation.  Already in the late stages of AIDS (Stage 4), Terry was carried onto a stretcher because he was too weak to walk.  He had stopped taking his ARV medication because he lived too far from the health center that provided refills and follow-up care.   <br />
<br />
<br />
Many health facilities that provide services and support for HIV/AIDS are located mainly in cities, far away from the majority of indigenous Papuans who live in rural villages.  Due to Papua's arduous terrain, these health centers are often reachable only by planes or sport utility vehicles.  However, the high costs of fuel and expensive fare for transportation means that native Papuans living outside urban settings have limited access to essential care and treatment.<br />
<br />
In Jayawijaya, a mountainous region in central Papua, the average cost for a round trip on public transportation to a neighboring town could cost as much as one's daily earning.  Gas can cost up to $20 per gallon and one might have to travel a full day or more just to reach the nearest health center.  As a result, those who are too sick to make the long journey or cannot afford to pay for transportation end up without treatment.  And those who are fortunate enough to get to a clinic or hospital often wait too long before making the trip.  In many cases, they arrive at the medical center in critical condition with little hope of surviving.
    _MG_6666.jpg
  • Wamena, Papua.
    HIV/AIDS_Papua69.jpg
  • A local clinic in Wamena that provides support and assistance to people infected with HIV/AIDS.
    HIV/AIDS_Papua73.jpg
  • Children and parents from the Husoak village outside of Wamena watch an educational movie on HIV/AIDS.  The film uses the local dialects and also entertaining and informative attracting hundreds of villagers to the showings.
    _MG_3104.jpg
  • Eddie’s family members carry his body back to his village from the hospital.  <br />
<br />
Eddie (30) was a schoolteacher in Jayapura.  Despite his education and access to health facilities in the city, Eddie didn't seek medical treatment for HIV because he was afraid that his friends and family would find out about his status.  Eddie returned to his village in Wamena when his health declined, and his immediate family cared for him.  He stayed in a traditional hut (honai) and avoided clinical treatment.  The virus progressed into the later stages of AIDS.  When Eddie's condition became critical, his family finally brought him to the hospital and he arrived on the brink of death.  His CD4 or white blood cell count was 1, when a normal person would have at least 700.  Family members gathered everyday at his bedside, waiting for the inevitable.  Despite doctors' attempt to stabilize his condition Eddie passed away within less than a week.<br />
<br />
Stigma significantly reduces the quality of life and increases the likelihood of suffering and mortality for indigenous Papuans living with HIV/AIDS.  ODHA (Orang Dengan HIV/AIDS) is the term often used to label a person living with HIV/AIDS.  This label has a negative connotation since HIV/AIDS is frequently associated with dishonor and death and it is often viewed as a curse or retribution for sins or deviant behaviors such as alcoholism, promiscuity, and extra marital sex.  Thus, shame, guilt and death go hand in hand with how Papuans see HIV/AIDS.  Consequently, fear of abuse, persecution, and ostracism from family members and the wider community has made secrecy the primary concern for ODHA rather than seeking treatment.
    _MG_7829.jpg
  • Terry’s mother looks after her son who is in the late stages of AIDS (Stage 4) inside the Emergency Room.  Terry (25) had stopped taking his ARV medication because he lived too far from the health center that provided refills and follow-up care.<br />
<br />
Terry traveled hundreds of miles from his village in Lani Jaya to reach the main hospital in Wamena.  His family paid over $100 to charter a vehicle for transportation.  Already in the late stages of AIDS (Stage 4), Terry was carried onto a stretcher because he was too weak to walk.  He had stopped taking his ARV medication because he lived too far from the health center that provided refills and follow-up care.   <br />
<br />
<br />
Many health facilities that provide services and support for HIV/AIDS are located mainly in cities, far away from the majority of indigenous Papuans who live in rural villages.  Due to Papua's arduous terrain, these health centers are often reachable only by planes or sport utility vehicles.  However, the high costs of fuel and expensive fare for transportation means that native Papuans living outside urban settings have limited access to essential care and treatment.<br />
<br />
In Jayawijaya, a mountainous region in central Papua, the average cost for a round trip on public transportation to a neighboring town could cost as much as one's daily earning.  Gas can cost up to $20 per gallon and one might have to travel a full day or more just to reach the nearest health center.  As a result, those who are too sick to make the long journey or cannot afford to pay for transportation end up without treatment.  And those who are fortunate enough to get to a clinic or hospital often wait too long before making the trip.  In many cases, they arrive at the medical center in critical condition with little hope of surviving.
    _MG_6630.jpg
  • Back in his village, Eddie’s family members and friends mourn his death.   <br />
<br />
Eddie (30) was a schoolteacher in Jayapura.  Despite his education and access to health facilities in the city, Eddie didn't seek medical treatment for HIV because he was afraid that his friends and family would find out about his status.  Eddie returned to his village in Wamena when his health declined, and his immediate family cared for him.  He stayed in a traditional hut (honai) and avoided clinical treatment.  The virus progressed into the later stages of AIDS.  When Eddie's condition became critical, his family finally brought him to the hospital and he arrived on the brink of death.  His CD4 or white blood cell count was 1, when a normal person would have at least 700.  Family members gathered everyday at his bedside, waiting for the inevitable.  Despite doctors' attempt to stabilize his condition Eddie passed away within less than a week.<br />
<br />
Stigma significantly reduces the quality of life and increases the likelihood of suffering and mortality for indigenous Papuans living with HIV/AIDS.  ODHA (Orang Dengan HIV/AIDS) is the term often used to label a person living with HIV/AIDS.  This label has a negative connotation since HIV/AIDS is frequently associated with dishonor and death and it is often viewed as a curse or retribution for sins or deviant behaviors such as alcoholism, promiscuity, and extra marital sex.  Thus, shame, guilt and death go hand in hand with how Papuans see HIV/AIDS.  Consequently, fear of abuse, persecution, and ostracism from family members and the wider community has made secrecy the primary concern for ODHA rather than seeking treatment.
    _MG_7920.jpg
  • L-R: Roni (26) and Mecky (18), each wearing an apron with a diagram of the male and female reproduction organs, participate in a sexual reproduction and HIV/AIDS educational training conducted by the Public Health Development Foundation (YPKM), a Wamena based NGO.
    Papua_Portrait_2.JPG
  • Yayasan Harapan Ibu (Mother's Hope), a local NGO, demonstrates the use of condom at public places to help prevent the spread of HIV virus.
    HIV/AIDS_Papua39.jpg
  • Nomina, age 20, has AIDS finds refuge at a hospice in Jayapura.
    HIV/AIDS_Papua30.jpg
  • Betrix (25), an HIV positive street prostitute, waits for a potential client.
    HIV/AIDS_Papua13.jpg
  • Michael (17) turns his face away during his first time getting tested for HIV at a local clinic in Jayapura. There is high probability for Michael to contract the virus since girlfriend is HIV positive and they don't use protection.
    HIV/AIDS_Papua57.jpg
  • An empty bottle of liquor and used cardboard. Street sex workers and their clients often have sex in public because it's cheaper than renting out a hotel room.
    HIV/AIDS_Papua55.jpg
  • Yayasan Harapan Ibu (Mother's Hope), a local NGO, visits local brothels regularly to encourage condom usage to sex workers. However, most sex workers don't enforce condom usage with their clients especially when they offer more money.
    HIV/AIDS_Papua45.jpg
  • Juliana Yarisetou works as an AIDS advocacy officer for the international NGO Family Health International in Jayapura. She contracted HIV from her husband in 2004. She is open with her status and often gives her testimony on living with HIV. "I've been infected since 2004. I got very sick in 2005 and weighed 22 kg - before that I was 86 kg. I went to the hospital but it was very difficult to get treatment - the doctors didn't know much about HIV/AIDS. They told me to go home and rest. I thought it was just for sex workers, and I kept asking, "Why me?" After the community knew I was HIV positive all of them discriminated against me; they didn't want to be around me, eat or drink with me. An NGO came to the village and educated the community, the church also gave support. Since then I have been open about my status."
    HIV/AIDS_Papua10.jpg
  • Rejected by his family because he has AIDS, Daud (23) finds refuge at a local hospice in Jayapura.
    HIV/AIDS_Papua64.jpg
  • Mama Fin works for local NGO, Yayasan Harapan Ibu (YHI) or Mother's Hope (right) visits a young woman with AIDS living under a bridge in the city of Jayapura (middle).
    HIV/AIDS_Papua50.jpg
  • Motorcycle taxi drivers have the highest risk of contracting HIV since all of them are men and most young, mobile, and has money. Family Health International (FHI) is an NGO that conducts mobile clinic and give blood test to taxi drivers on the spot throughout the city.
    HIV/AIDS_Papua34.jpg
  • Rejected by his family because he has AIDS, Daud (23) finds refuge at a local hospice in Jayapura.
    HIV/AIDS_Papua29.jpg
  • Betrix (25), an HIV positive street prostitute, waits for a potential client.
    HIV/AIDS_Papua19.jpg
  • Betrix (25), Marsela (14), Barbie (14), and Natalia (16) finds refuge from the rain under the tent of a street food vendor.
    HIV/AIDS_Papua17.jpg
  • Mama Fin, a worker for Yayasan Harapan Ibu (YHI) or Mother's Hope, provides shelter and education to sex street workers.
    HIV/AIDS_Papua08.jpg
  • Rika, age 17, is the third wife and contracted HIV from her husband. Her parents rejected her at first but now shows support. At one point she weighed 35kg (77lbs). But as her health improves after receiving and taking medication regularly from a nearby clinic she is stronger and now weighs 52kg (114lbs).
    HIV/AIDS_Papua78.jpg
  • Living under a bridge in Jayapura.
    HIV/AIDS_Papua53.jpg
  • Yayasan Harapan Ibu (Mother's Hope), a local NGO, demonstrates the use of condom at public places to help prevent the spread of HIV virus.
    HIV/AIDS_Papua40.jpg
  • Betty (15) teenage street prostitute, waits for potential client near Imbi Park, a popular place to buy sex in Jayapura.
    HIV/AIDS_Papua20.jpg
  • Betrix (25) street sex worker.
    HIV/AIDS_Papua02.jpg
  • Mama Fin works for local NGO, Yayasan Harapan Ibu (YHI) or Mother's Hope (right) visits a young woman with AIDS living under a bridge in the city of Jayapura (middle).
    XD1A7547.jpg
  • Rejected by his family because he has AIDS, Daud (23) finds refuge at a local hospice in Jayapura.
    HIV/AIDS_Papua63.jpg
  • Mama Fin, a worker for a local NGO, Yayasan Harapan Ibu (YHI) or Mother's Hope, follows a trail with thick vegetation in order to visit young woman with AIDS living under a bridge in the city of Jayapura.
    HIV/AIDS_Papua54.jpg
  • A woman with AIDS living under a bridge in the city of Jayapura.
    HIV/AIDS_Papua52.jpg
  • Sex workers at a local brothel, Bar Kharisma, hang out with their boyfriends before their shift. Even those who uses condom with their clients rarely use it with their boyfriends.
    HIV/AIDS_Papua46.jpg
  • Owners of a popular brothel, Bar Kharisma.
    HIV/AIDS_Papua43.jpg
  • Bar Kharisma is a Karaoke bar that also functions as a brothel.
    HIV/AIDS_Papua41.jpg
  • Yayasan Harapan Ibu (Mother's Hope), a local NGO, demonstrates the use of condom at public places to help prevent the spread of HIV virus.
    HIV/AIDS_Papua38.jpg
  • Brothel sex workers watch television to pass the time while waiting to be picked by potential clients.
    HIV/AIDS_Papua26.jpg
  • Brothel workers waits to be picked by a potential client.
    HIV/AIDS_Papua24.jpg
  • Rika receives her medication from a local clinic.
    HIV/AIDS_Papua79.jpg
  • Rika, age 17, is the third wife and contracted HIV from her husband. Her parents rejected her at first but now shows support. At one point she weighed 35kg (77lbs). But as her health improves after receiving and taking medication regularly from a nearby clinic she is stronger and now weighs 52kg (114lbs).
    HIV/AIDS_Papua76.jpg
  • Children playing jump rope during after Sunday school.
    HIV/AIDS_Papua71.jpg
  • Nomina, age 20, has AIDS finds refuge at a hospice in Jayapura.
    HIV/AIDS_Papua65.jpg
  • The statue of General McArthur at Imbi Park, a popular place to buy sex in Jayapura.
    HIV/AIDS_Papua56.jpg
  • Living under a bridge in Jayapura.
    HIV/AIDS_Papua51.jpg
  • The hallway of Bar Kharisma and entrances to VIP rooms.
    HIV/AIDS_Papua42.jpg
  • Inside a known brothel, Bar Kharisma, a customer looks through a one-way mirror before making his selection.
    HIV/AIDS_Papua25.jpg
  • Brothel workers waits to be picked by potential clients.
    HIV/AIDS_Papua22.jpg
  • Betrix (25), an HIV positive street prostitute, negotiates with a potential client near Imbi Park, a popular place to buy sex in Jayapura.
    HIV/AIDS_Papua21.jpg
  • Natalia (16), Arken (17), and Marsela (14) are not the typical teenage girls, they are street prostitutes. Poor and uneducated, many girls in Papua sell their bodies in order to survive.
    HIV/AIDS_Papua07.jpg
  • Marsela (14) street sex worker.
    HIV/AIDS_Papua01.jpg
  • A teen sex worker at undergoes a blood test at a local clinic in Jayapura.
    HIV/AIDS_Papua60.jpg
  • Yayasan Harapan Ibu (Mother's Hope), a local NGO, demonstrates the use of condom at public places to help prevent the spread of HIV virus.
    HIV/AIDS_Papua49.jpg
  • A brothel worker shows pictures of her son.
    HIV/AIDS_Papua48.jpg
  • Motorcycle taxi drivers have the highest risk of contracting HIV since all of them are men and most young, mobile, and has money.  Family Health International (FHI) is an NGO that conducts mobile clinic and give blood test to taxi drivers on the spot throughout the city.
    HIV/AIDS_Papua33.jpg
  • Rika, age 17, is the third wife and contracted HIV from her husband. Her parents rejected her at first but now shows support. At one point she weighed 35kg (77lbs). But as her health improves after receiving and taking medication regularly from a nearby clinic she is stronger and now weighs 52kg (114lbs).
    HIV/AIDS_Papua77.jpg
  • Rika, age 17, is the third wife and contracted HIV from her husband. Her parents rejected her at first but now shows support. At one point she weighed 35kg (77lbs). But as her health improves after receiving and taking medication regularly from a nearby clinic she is stronger and now weighs 52kg (114lbs).
    HIV/AIDS_Papua75.jpg
  • Linde, age 10, a victim of rape, waits for her blood result at a local hospital.
    HIV/AIDS_Papua72.jpg
  • Children playing jump rope during after Sunday school.
    HIV/AIDS_Papua70.jpg
  • Michael (17) turns his face away during his first time getting tested for HIV at a local clinic in Jayapura.  There is high probability for Michael to contract the virus since girlfriend is HIV positive.
    HIV/AIDS_Papua58.jpg
  • Yohana, age 42, a woman with AIDS abandoned by her husband. Due to her illness, she is unable to work and relies on her neighbors and a local support group for food and medicine.
    HIV/AIDS_Papua37.jpg
  • Linde, age 10, a victim of rape, waits for her blood result at a local hospital.
    HIV/AIDS_Papua35.jpg
  • Motorcycle taxi drivers have the highest risk of contracting HIV since all of them are men and most young, mobile, and has money. Family Health International (FHI) is an NGO that conducts mobile clinic and give blood test to taxi drivers on the spot throughout the city.
    HIV/AIDS_Papua32.jpg
  • A brothel worker waits for her client.  Her job is to order expensive drinks and provide company and entertainment but the proposal for sex usually gets brought up by the client.
    HIV/AIDS_Papua27.jpg
  • A woman living with AIDS gives her testimony in front of a support group.
    HIV/AIDS_Papua12.jpg
  • Juliana Yarisetou works as an AIDS advocacy officer for the international NGO Family Health International in Jayapura. She contracted HIV from her husband in 2004. She is open with her status and often gives her testimony on living with HIV. "I've been infected since 2004. I got very sick in 2005 and weighed 22 kg - before that I was 86 kg. I went to the hospital but it was very difficult to get treatment - the doctors didn't know much about HIV/AIDS. They told me to go home and rest. I thought it was just for sex workers, and I kept asking, "Why me?" After the community knew I was HIV positive all of them discriminated against me; they didn't want to be around me, eat or drink with me. An NGO came to the village and educated the community, the church also gave support. Since then I have been open about my status."
    HIV/AIDS_Papua11.jpg
  • Rika, age 17, is the third wife and contracted HIV from her husband. Her parents rejected her at first but now shows support. At one point she weighed 35kg (77lbs). But as her health improves after receiving and taking medication regularly from a nearby clinic she is stronger and now weighs 52kg (114lbs).
    HIV/AIDS_Papua74.jpg
  • Barbie (14), waits for her turn for a blood test at a clinic in Jayapura.
    HIV/AIDS_Papua59.jpg
  • Barbie (15) and Marsela (14) are already infected with HIV and sells their bodies for means of survival in the city of Jayapura.
    HIV/AIDS_Papua14.jpg
  • A brothel worker, Helda (27), in Tanjung Elmo is seen in her private room.
    HIV/AIDS_Papua62.jpg
  • A nurse checks on Brothel Workers of Tanjung Elmo in Jayapura.
    HIV/AIDS_Papua61.jpg
  • A VIP room at Bar Kharisma that also functions as a brothel.
    HIV/AIDS_Papua44.jpg
  • Motorcycle taxi drivers have the highest risk of contracting HIV since all of them are men and most young, mobile, and has money. Family Health International (FHI) is an NGO that conducts mobile clinic and give blood test to taxi drivers on the spot throughout the city.
    HIV/AIDS_Papua36.jpg
  • The hand of a man with AIDS at a hospice in Jayapura. His whole body was covered with boils.
    HIV/AIDS_Papua31.jpg
  • A TV screen inside a popular "Karaoke" bar that also functions as a brothel.
    HIV/AIDS_Papua28.jpg
  • Bar Kharisma; A brothel sex worker is seen illuminated by strobe lights inside the dark lit "karaoke" bar.
    HIV/AIDS_Papua23.jpg
  • In the middle of the cold and wet night, Betrix (25), Marsela (14), Barbie (14), and Natalia (16) walks the empty street looking for potential clients.
    HIV/AIDS_Papua18.jpg
  • Marsela (14), Barbie (14), and Natalia (16) finds refuge from the rain under the tent of a street food vendor.
    HIV/AIDS_Papua16.jpg
  • Street prostitutes, Betrix (25) and Natalia (16), both HIV positive shares a cigarette as they wait for potential clients in the capitol of Papua, Jayapura.
    HIV/AIDS_Papua15.jpg
  • Barbie (14), an HIV infected street sex worker finds refuge inside the home of Mama Fin, a local NGO worker of Yayasan Harapan Ibu (YHI) or Mother's Hope.
    HIV/AIDS_Papua09.jpg
  • A street sex workier Barbie (14) watches TV.
    HIV/AIDS_Papua05.jpg
  • Natalia (16), an HIV infected street sec worker smokes a cigarette.
    HIV/AIDS_Papua04.jpg
  • Street sex workers Arken (17) and Marsela (14).
    HIV/AIDS_Papua03.jpg
  • Rika, age 17, is the third wife and contracted HIV from her husband. Her parents rejected her at first but now shows support. At one point she weighed 35kg (77lbs). But as her health improves after receiving and taking medication regularly from a nearby clinic she is stronger and now weighs 52kg (114lbs).
    HIV/AIDS_Papua80.jpg
  • Papua from above the clouds.
    HIV/AIDS_Papua81.jpg
  • The body of a patient with AIDS covered with boils.
    HIV/AIDS_Papua66.jpg
  • A brothel worker inside the VIP room.
    HIV/AIDS_Papua47.jpg
  • Sex street workers Natalia (16) and Arken (17).
    HIV/AIDS_Papua06.jpg
  • A freshly killed pig that David purchased for $300 to conduct the adat ritual. <br />
<br />
One of the most common practices in the highlands to diagnose and cure HIV is by conducting a traditional ritual termed adat.  This involves killing a pig and examining its blood, heart, lungs, and kidney.  After cutting the pig open and inspecting its internal organs, the practitioners of adat remove what they interpret as parasites or cancerous parts that they believe caused the sickness.  Cleaning the pig's flesh by washing it with water would also "cure" the person's illness.  Performing the adat ritual is expensive since a pig can cost hundreds of dollars.  The treatment does not work despite the strong cultural belief behind it.  In the end, after killing numerous pigs and spending a fortune, many people give up hope.  By the time they finally decide to go to the hospital, their condition is too critical with little chance for survival.<br />
<br />
Due to a lack of HIV/AIDS education, limited access to health services, and strong pre-existing cultural beliefs about illness, many Papuans who are desperate for a cure turn to alternative medicines and traditional methods of healing.  Sometimes it involves cutting different parts of the body to drain "dirty" blood believed to cause the sickness.  Fruit potions such as the renowned red fruit potion (buah merah) are also extremely popular for its perceived healing capability.  In some cases, those who are already taking ARV medication abandon it to take expensive alternative medications such as Herbal Life vitamin supplements because they are promised an immediate cure.
    _MG_4598.jpg
  • David’s family members examine the pig’s internal organs to search for the cause of his illness during the adat ritual. <br />
<br />
One of the most common practices in the highlands to diagnose and cure HIV is by conducting a traditional ritual termed adat.  This involves killing a pig and examining its blood, heart, lungs, and kidney.  After cutting the pig open and inspecting its internal organs, the practitioners of adat remove what they interpret as parasites or cancerous parts that they believe caused the sickness.  Cleaning the pig's flesh by washing it with water would also "cure" the person's illness.  Performing the adat ritual is expensive since a pig can cost hundreds of dollars.  The treatment does not work despite the strong cultural belief behind it.  In the end, after killing numerous pigs and spending a fortune, many people give up hope.  By the time they finally decide to go to the hospital, their condition is too critical with little chance for survival.<br />
<br />
Due to a lack of HIV/AIDS education, limited access to health services, and strong pre-existing cultural beliefs about illness, many Papuans who are desperate for a cure turn to alternative medicines and traditional methods of healing.  Sometimes it involves cutting different parts of the body to drain "dirty" blood believed to cause the sickness.  Fruit potions such as the renowned red fruit potion (buah merah) are also extremely popular for its perceived healing capability.  In some cases, those who are already taking ARV medication abandon it to take expensive alternative medications such as Herbal Life vitamin supplements because they are promised an immediate cure.
    _MG_4718.jpg
  • Food packages given by YPKM, which includes 2kg of rice, cooking oil, sugar, milk, and infant formula (costing approx. $25), to those who are in the late stages of AIDS and mothers who cannot breastfeed their infants.  The health condition of almost every person receiving this monthly food package has greatly improved.<br />
<br />
One of the biggest obstacles to recovery and rehabilitation for indigenous Papuans living with HIV/AIDS is the lack of adequate nutrition.  Due to poverty and because many Papuans have moved away from a subsistence garden culture, many cannot afford to purchase or consume wholesome foods.  Papuans who are HIV-positive find it extremely difficult to work or tend their crops.  Consequently, indigenous Papuans do not receive sufficient vitamins, proteins and nutrients from their diet.  When they fall sick Papuans recover at a much slower pace and most find it extremely challenging to stay healthy.
    _MG_4173.jpg
  • As the fire burned, heavy rain poured as if to extinguish the flame.  Under the protective cover of an umbrella, Dewi's parents watched their daughter's cremation in sorrow.  <br />
<br />
Dewi (20) is a young wife who died from AIDS after contracting HIV from her husband.  Dewi kept her status a secret from her family.  Before her death, Dewi's family used a traditional healing method of cutting her body to let "dirty" blood out in order to cure her illness.  Outside, men cut wood into small pieces and stacked them to prepare for her cremation.  A local NGO called Caring Hands donated money for cremation, since Dewi's family was too poor to have her buried.  A pastor led the ceremony and prayed before Dewi's body was place on top of the funeral pyre. <br />
<br />
It is common for husbands to keep their status from their wives or vice versa due to shame and fear of discrimination or punishment.  Even after testing positive for HIV, many still disregard using condoms to avoid drawing suspicion.  As a result, HIV is often passed on to their spouse.
    _MG_5283.jpg
  • Dewi's lifeless body is carried onto the cremation pyre by her uncle.<br />
<br />
Dewi (20) is a young wife who died from AIDS after contracting HIV from her husband.  Dewi kept her status a secret from her family.  Before her death, Dewi's family used a traditional healing method of cutting her body to let "dirty" blood out in order to cure her illness.  Outside, men cut wood into small pieces and stacked them to prepare for her cremation.  A local NGO called Caring Hands donated money for cremation, since Dewi's family was too poor to have her buried.  A pastor led the ceremony and prayed before Dewi's body was place on top of the funeral pyre. <br />
<br />
It is common for husbands to keep their status from their wives or vice versa due to shame and fear of discrimination or punishment.  Even after testing positive for HIV, many still disregard using condoms to avoid drawing suspicion.  As a result, HIV is often passed on to their spouse.
    _MG_5237.jpg
  • A freshly killed pig that David purchased for $300 to conduct the adat ritual. <br />
<br />
One of the most common practices in the highlands to diagnose and cure HIV is by conducting a traditional ritual termed adat.  This involves killing a pig and examining its blood, heart, lungs, and kidney.  After cutting the pig open and inspecting its internal organs, the practitioners of adat remove what they interpret as parasites or cancerous parts that they believe caused the sickness.  Cleaning the pig's flesh by washing it with water would also "cure" the person's illness.  Performing the adat ritual is expensive since a pig can cost hundreds of dollars.  The treatment does not work despite the strong cultural belief behind it.  In the end, after killing numerous pigs and spending a fortune, many people give up hope.  By the time they finally decide to go to the hospital, their condition is too critical with little chance for survival.<br />
<br />
Due to a lack of HIV/AIDS education, limited access to health services, and strong pre-existing cultural beliefs about illness, many Papuans who are desperate for a cure turn to alternative medicines and traditional methods of healing.  Sometimes it involves cutting different parts of the body to drain "dirty" blood believed to cause the sickness.  Fruit potions such as the renowned red fruit potion (buah merah) are also extremely popular for its perceived healing capability.  In some cases, those who are already taking ARV medication abandon it to take expensive alternative medications such as Herbal Life vitamin supplements because they are promised an immediate cure.
    _MG_4598.jpg
  • The fire continued to burn into the night.  Inside the honai, sounds of crying could be heard as Dewi's family and friends mourn her death.<br />
<br />
Dewi (20) is a young wife who died from AIDS after contracting HIV from her husband.  Dewi kept her status a secret from her family.  Before her death, Dewi's family used a traditional healing method of cutting her body to let "dirty" blood out in order to cure her illness.  Outside, men cut wood into small pieces and stacked them to prepare for her cremation.  A local NGO called Caring Hands donated money for cremation, since Dewi's family was too poor to have her buried.  A pastor led the ceremony and prayed before Dewi's body was place on top of the funeral pyre. <br />
<br />
It is common for husbands to keep their status from their wives or vice versa due to shame and fear of discrimination or punishment.  Even after testing positive for HIV, many still disregard using condoms to avoid drawing suspicion.  As a result, HIV is often passed on to their spouse.
    AAO_Scans2_74.JPG
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Andri Tambunan

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