We must thank AusAID: Barter

PAPUA New Guineans need to take ownership and responsibility for the various HIV/AIDS initiatives funded by AusAID and other development partners, National AIDS Council (NAC) chairman Sir Peter Barter said.
Sir Peter urged all faith and community-based organisations and non-governmental organisations who carry out HIV/AIDS activities to show more interest and commitment.
“They must make use of donor funds the right way and for the right purpose for PNG,” he said.
Sir Peter called on the NAC to use its ombudsman powers to ensure donor money was put to proper use.
“One of the single biggest development partners conducting care, counselling, treatment and prevention efforts has been Australia.
“Their development agency, AusAID, has been helping PNG with more than K20 million for development of programmes in financial and technical support.
“Since 1999, AusAID has trained many nationals,” he said.
Expressing NAC’s gratitude towards the Australian government for its continued support to the country in the management and prevention of the spread of HIV/AIDS, Sir Peter urged the people to thank Australia’s taxpayers for their humanitarian gesture.
“The NAC is now working with AusAID to come up with a five-year plan on HIV/AIDS.
“The national HIV strategy will pave the way for prevention to be given more prominence and evaluate past efforts,” he said.