By CLIFFORD FAIPARIK
HIV/AIDS virus is spreading faster in the rural areas before any information about it could reach the villagers, an AusAID HIV/AIDS adviser said on Saturday.
Gender and social development adviser Angela Filer said at Tumari village in Oro province that innocent people in the rural areas were likely to get infected by the virus because they lack knowledge on how to avoid it.
“We have to work together to prevent the virus from reaching our rural communities. So when one has been fully informed about it, he or she has to go out and inform others as well.”
Mrs Filer made the appeal during the graduation ceremony of a six-week workshop on “introduction to HIV/AIDS” at Tumari village near Tufi station.
Ninety-four participants received certificates. The ceremony also coincided with the launching of a 25-member Siafa theatre group.
This group was formed to carry out HIV/AIDS awareness through drama within the Tufi area.
Meanwhile, Wakawa performing Arts Troupe director Morris Tovebae said conducting HIV/AIDS awareness through drama was an effective and efficient way to inform the people about AIDS in rural areas.
The workshop was jointly facilitated by the Wakawa performing Arts Troupe, Ausaid, PNG Media Council and the National Aids Council.