Ports staff learn about HIV/AIDS

By SHIRLYN BELDEN
THE PNG Ports Corporation Ltd is educating its employees about HIV/AIDS and its impact on the country.
In recognition of World AIDS Day on Dec 1, the corporation will hold an internal awareness programme so that its employees can understand and participate in the implementation of the workplace HIV/AIDS policy in the company.
The programme will be launched on Dec 1 and conducted at its 16 ports in the country. 
Chief executive officer Brian Riches said: “PNG Ports supports the fight against this epidemic and sees educating its employees about this workplace HIV/AIDS policy as a significant and effective measure to assist this fast and widespread disease.”
He said the policy set a framework on how to deal with the HIV/AIDS cases including the prevention of stigma faced by people living with the disease in the country.
He urged employees to educate themselves on the policy and be advocates in the campaign against the disease.
AIDS Day coincides with the company’s observance of the 20 days of activism toward the “Elimination of violence against women and girls’.  
AIDS council representatives in provinces where the company ports are located will conduct the awareness programme as well as educating the employees of the workplace HIV/AIDS policy.