Volunteers clean AIDS clinic

By ANGELINE KARIUS
THE HIV/AIDS and STI clinic received a visit from British American Tobacco (BAT) company volunteers to clean up the premises.
It is to commemorate the World AIDS Day which is today.
The 23 staff and BAT officers around the country volunteered their services to various HIV clinics.
Team leader Clare Kulol said it was part of a business partnership initiative to help their surrounding communities.
She said the initiative was for a clean and healthy environment.
“We have basically cut and cleaned the outside premises of the clinic,” Kulol said.
She said as part of the initiative by the company, gift packs and gardening tools were presented. 
Gardening tools such as bush knives, rubbish bins and hand gloves plus 30 gift packs were given to the clinic.
Doctor in charge of the clinic Dr Martin Damien said the clean environment was healthy for the patients at the clinic.
“Many a time people see this clinic as for the sick but this is not true,” he said.
Damien said the isolation of the clinic itself gave a different perception to the public and such support rendered to people living with HIV/AIDS gave them hope.
He said the clinic provided free medical
treatment and care to people living with HIV/AIDS.
Administration manager John Manalau said BAT was the third company to come to their aid.
He said the hospital needed a lawn mower to help keep the area clean.