Human rights vital to fight epidemic

By DULCIE OREKE
THE protection of human rights is fundamental to combating the AIDS epidemic, according to a senior education official.
“Violation of human rights fuels the spread of HIV/AIDS, putting marginalised groups such as women,girls and sex workers at a higher risk of HIV infection,” acting secretary Dr Joseph Pagelio said.
Pagelio yesterday said by promoting individual human rights, new infections could be prevented and people living with HIV could live free of discrimination.
“World AIDS Day provides an opportunity for all of us–individuals, communities, and political leaders–to take action and ensure that human rights are protected and global targets for HIV prevention, treatment and care are met,” he said.
Pagelio said the Department of Education had made a dramatic achievement in implementing and mainstreaming its HIV/AIDS programmes in the last five years.
He said these achievements were highlighted in the key roles and responsibilities within the divisions of policy, curriculum, teacher training, technical vocational education training (TVET) and human resource.
Pagelio said, during the department’s World AIDS Day commemoration at Fincorp Haus, Port Moresby, that the HIV/AIDS policy identified four key strategic areas for its successfully implementation.
These included prevention for students, care and support for students, HIV in the workplace and managing education’s response to HIV/AIDS.
These were vital to educate, manage and care for those infected or affected by HIV/AIDS, he said.