Western Highlands turn out in red to mark day
The National, Tuesday December 2nd, 2014
By ELIAS LARI
PEOPLE in Western Highlands dressed in red turned out in numbers at Mt Hagen yesterday for World AIDS Day.
Police provided escort during a march into the city involving church groups and public servants.
People living with the virus and health staff shared their experiences.
Steven Taka, a person living with the virus for 12 years from the Tru Warrior group, said people such as him should learn to live a happy life and not in fear.
Taka said they should concentrate on receiving treatment and believe that they can live longer.
“Look at me. I’m the same as a normal person,” he said.
“Many people do not think that way. That is why some have died while others doubt that they can live longer.”
Taka said he had survived for 12 years and still looked healthy.
Reverend Apolos Yimak from the Provincial AIDS Council encouraged people living with the virus to think positively.
He said people such as Taka remained confident that they would live longer.
Officers from the public and private sector organisations came together to make the event colourful.
The event has caused many people to change their attitude on having many sexual partners.