A Positive Papua New Guinean Speaks Out Against Stigma
Regan Hofmann interviews Maura Elaripe Mea, the first HIV-positive woman to come forward publicly in her country. Through Igat Hope, the national network of people living with HIV/AIDS in PNG, Maura and others fight AIDS discrimination while spreading information and hope.
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comments 1 - 3 (of 3 total)
Peter Phiri, , 2007-08-29 11:49:20
It is really pathetic and violation of human rights to bury someone simply coz he/she is Hiv positive.Everybody has the right to light despite the circumstance they might be. Leave them alone more over you dont know how they acquired the virus. May God heal that sick descriminatory community-Amen!
Skywalker, Miami, FL, 2007-08-28 16:51:58
This interview was heart-warming . Both Regan and Maura were an inspiration. This provided great information about Papua New Guinea and its attitude about HIV and AIDS. We must support Maura's work and help open a government that might be prejudiced.
Adam Thompson, Charlottesville, VA, USA, 2007-08-28 13:31:50
What an incredible story. Thank you for bringing this story into my life. It really puts into perspective my own struggles with living with HIV.
Beth Benne, RN, is HIV negative, but
the virus has impacted her life. She currently supervises a biannual HIV/AIDS awareness week as
the director of the student health center at Pierce College, a
community commuter school in Woodland Hills, California.
Woman of the Month is supported by exclusive advertising from Gilead.
Overheard in the Women's Forum
"I recently met a guy who is negative. I did tell him about my status and he decided to kiss me anyway (we didn't go further than that). But a day later, he called and said that he actually had a mouth ulcer that time when we kissed and he was very worried. Asked if he can get the virus from me that way. For that moment, I felt so insulted and yet I felt so bad. It was my first time having a contact with a "negative" guy."
