MEDIA RELEASE
7 October 2008
For immediate release
AUSTRALIAN HIGH COMMISSIONER VISITS GEREHU HIV EDUCATORS
“HIV and AIDS are among the greatest development issues confronting Papua New Guinea. The only way for us to stop the spread of the disease is through the spread of information”, said His Excellency Mr Chris Moraitis, Australian High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea, during a gathering with HIV and AIDS workshop participants today.
Mr Moraitis took time out from his busy schedule to visit and talk to members of the Gerehu community who are participating in a series of HIV and AIDS peer education workshops. The workshops are being conducted by Anglicare Stop AIDS and are sponsored by the Yumi Lukautim Moresby project.
Meeting under the shade of a eucalyptus tree at the Gerehu playground, Mr Moraitis listened to the views of workshop participants and exchanged ideas with them on HIV and AIDS issues in Papua New Guinea. Mr Moraitis was especially interested in the level of understanding of HIV and AIDS in the participants’ local communities.
He said, “You have taken an incredibly important step by choosing not only to learn more about combating HIV and AIDS, but also to equip yourselves to spread the word to your communities.
“I hope every one of you will take the important messages and information you are gaining from the workshops home and educate everyone you know with facts about HIV and AIDS.
“Each and every one of you today is to be commended and congratulated for your extraordinary effort to make a difference in the future of Papua New Guinea,” said Mr Moraitis.
The workshops aim to educate the participants on HIV and AIDS and give them the skills to go back and educate their communities about HIV and AIDS.
Justina Narakobi, a workshop participant, spoke on behalf of the group, thanking Mr Moraitis for his visit. “The High Commissioner’s visit has empowered and encouraged us to go out and educate our peers,” she said.
“We are blessed and thankful that the Australian High Commissioner took the time to visit us at the grass roots level and speak with us about the importance of this disease.”
One area of major concern for the participants was the spread of HIV within the family circle, especially between spouses who contract the virus through extra marital relationships and then go home and infect their partner.
The three-week series of workshops concludes next week.
Media Inquiries: Francina Thomson, Public Diplomacy Officer, T: 325 9333 ext 276