A Papua New Guinea NGO that had been helping people living with HIV is being forced to shut after losing its financial backing hopes it can get support elsewhere.
Residents sell their goods near a anti-Aids billboard in Mount Hagen, 18 August 2007. Photo: ANOEK DE GROOT / AFP
The PNG Development Law Association provides legal advice and counselling for people affected by HIV/AIDS.
For the past five years it has been heavily reliant on the Australian aid programme but that funding has now been withdrawn.
The Association's Michael Henao said it will shut its doors at the end of the year but he is hoping for a relaunch late next year.
He said the Association has realised it is safer to have a variety of funders.
"There are two potential sources that we are going to put in submissions for. Unfortunately if we are successful those monies won't be available for draw-down until October next year at the earliest. But we are of the view that at least if we put in submissions that will enable us to restart again in 2017 at some stage," said Michael Henao.
Mr Henao said the two potential sources are foreign funders and that the NGO has also approached the National Capital District in Port Moresby.
