19 volunteers train to become community advocates for HIV/STI

NINETEEN volunteers are being trained under the men and boy’s programme by the Compass project to be HIV/STI community-based advocates.
Compass is one of the projects under the PNG Family Health Association.
The week-long training began yesterday at the Alan Quartermain multi purpose hall at 10-Mile.
The participants are from the Miles area all the way to Nasuampum at Nadzab.
They were selected after attending previous training on introduction to HIV/AIDS.
Men and boys programme officer Isaac Kuman said it was an introductory training for the participants to be educated on volunteerism, gender power and sexuality.
He said the objective of the training was to train the volunteers to help advocate against HIV/STI to reduce incidence of the infections in their communities.
Mr Kuman said HIV/STI were sensitive issues and the volunteers had to be educated and understand themselves before they educate others.
Compass project manageress Anne Kitoneka while officially welcoming the participants, commended them for volunteering their time.