‘Tambul-Nebilyer model district in WHP’

THE Tambul-Nebilyer district of Western Highlands province has been described as the model district in the province that came up with its own plans and awareness on HIV/AIDS.
This was revealed during a World AIDS Day celebration last Tuesday at the Tambul district headquarters.
Many people gathered to commemorate the day and remembered those who had lost their lives to the deadly disease.
Widows, whose husbands died of HIV/AIDS, were dressed in traditional mourning attire to welcome invited guests to the celebrations.
Various activities performed by different groups in the districts depicted the effects and causes of the epidemic in an educational and moving way, saying prevention of the disease was vital.
According to the district HIV/AIDS response coordinator, Michael Panowa, the awareness programmes has been conducted in every part of the province, including the remote areas.
He said the district has its own five year plan to fight HIV/AIDS unlike other districts in the province.
Mr Panowa said the district was taking the lead in the fight against HIV/AIDS and commended the leaders for their support.
During the celebrations, two people living with HIV spoke openly of their status and challenged others to practice healthy sexual behaviors.
They appealed to the other people gathered during the celebration to take care of those infected with HIV and help them to live a positive life.
The HIV/AIDS programmes in the district were also boosted by a K10,000 funding from local MP, Benjamin Poponawa, during the celebrations.
The district council manager Philip Kansol said that every year the district would make funds available for the district HIV/AIDS team to assist them in their fight against the deadly virus.
Also present at the ceremony were Marie Stoppes PNG representatives, health officials, community and district leaders and HIV/AIDS advocators, amongst others.