Port Moresby police stations now armed with condoms

The National Main Stories

Information, education and communication materials including condoms and lubricants were given to all police stations in National Capital District by the National AIDS Council Secretariat (NACS) at the beginning of this month.
Kwikila Police Station in Rigo, Central, also received the supplies.
Manager for advocacy and social mobilisation with NACS Valentine Tango said: “The police stations are in strategic locations and have constant interaction with the communities, so it is reasonable to present these items to them. The police officers can be able to encourage members of the community who seek police assistance at any time to pick up the condoms, lubricants and IEC materials.
“This is one of the strategic partnerships that NACS is forging with State agencies and the private sector in an effort to promote safer sex practices and prevent further spread of sexually-transmitted infections (STI) and HIV in our communities.”
Tangoh said the initial partnership with police was concentrated around National Capital District, but it is the intention of NACS to extend the partnership to stations and barracks throughout the country.
“To carry this exercise to other parts of the country will depend on the availability of funding.
“The police commanders at the police stations were happy about the approach taken by NACS.
“They commended the director and management for establishing the bond of cooperation and partnership.
“The station commanders said they will ensure that the items will be handed out to members of the community when they visit the police stations.”
Tangoh said other disciplined forces and the private sector had to partner with National AIDS Council Secretariat in encouraging their employees and the community at large “to practice safe sex and to use a condom to help prevent the spread of STIs and HIV in the country”.
“It is the duty of individuals to keep themselves and their family safe through acting responsibly when it comes to their own sexual conduct and practices,” he said.