Leaders urged to fight AIDS

By ELIAS LARI
LEADERS seen active in the prevention of HIV/AIDS will create a lot of impact in the campaign to reduce the infection rate, Western Highlands HIV/AIDS response unit coordinator Joshua Mininga says.
Mininga, speaking during World AIDS Day in Jiwaka last weekend, said leaders’ involvement would go a long way towards saving lives in PNG.
He  said their involvement would be highly influential because of their position.
Mininga said not only the political leaders of the country but leaders at every level should participate actively in the fight against the disease that was rampant and the cause of many deaths.
“We need leaders to participate with us,” Mininga said.
“It needs the support of every leader, including business houses.”
Mininga’s fellow Western Highlands provincial AIDS council chairman, James Koi, said leaders in Papua New Guinea appeared ignorant about the fight against the spread of the disease and infection.
And that it was perhaps the reason for their inactivity in the campaign.
He said leaders appeared to depend on other agents and non-governmental organisations to participate in the fight against the spread of HIV/AIDS.
Mininga said the non-allocation of funds from the 2013 Budget underscored the government’s attitude towards the disease which should be a concern to everyone living in the country.
In Africa, leaders’ involvement was seen as a catalyst in the reduction of HIV infection rate and education, he said.
He said leaders from villages to the national level could play an important role in education.
“We cannot just sit and leave it to the National AIDS Council and people who are living with the virus to take the lead. It needs support from everyone.
“I cannot reach every part of
the province. Instead, I need you and you need them to help us carry out the plan.”
Mininga said this would bring change and development into the mindset of the people.
The bigger the influence the greater the impact and encouragement to change in attitudes and behaviours of the people.
“This does not mean that leaders are not supporting the fight.
“What I am saying is that their involvement will bring about a bigger impact, more changes and development from the national level down to the grassroots.”