10 Apr 2009

Academic at University of PNG expresses concerns over aid

11:09 am on 10 April 2009

An academic at the University of Papua New Guinea is expressing concerns about the flow of aid and other international assistance to the country, during this period of global economic crisis.

Fiji Times reports the Head of Economics, Dr Billy Manoka, is concerned that if the recession is prolonged in developed countries, it will affect their ability to give aid.

The paper reports Dr Manoka saying even the World Bank's Global Fund, which supplies free aids drugs to PNG might pull back or reduce its assistance.

He says the global fund supports PNG's efforts in the fight against HIV/Aids in terms of providing antiviral drugs free of charge.

He says it will become challenging for PNG if the commitment by developed countries for the fund shrinks.