Wewak MP urges parental

By GABRIEL FITO
WEWAK Open MP Dr Moses Manwau challenged all stakeholders, government agencies and business houses to take responsibility in the campaign against the spread of the deadly HIV/AIDS epidemic in East Sepik.
Speaking at the World AIDS Day celebrations in Wewak last Wednesday, Manwau said parents should also take responsibility in educating their children of the deadly virus and how they could prevent contracting it.
He said the HIV/AIDS epidemic was a social, family, regional and global problem, which requires a collective effort from everyone to deter its spread by advocating on the issue.
Manwau said the future of this country and the global community depended on the health and welfare of our youths and, therefore, they must be educated today so that they remain virus-free and productive tomorrow.
Wewak business houses were also encouraged to take ownership and support the people to fight against the spread of the disease in appreciation of the business they received from the Wewak people.
Speaking on the theme of the celebration “Universal Excess and Human Rights” provincial AIDS response coordinator Emil Trowale said it was everyone’s right to be tested and there should be no discrimination in any way.
Chairman of the Wewak district AIDS council Martin Maingu thanked the Wewak Catholic diocese for running the HIV/AIDS programmes including the voluntary counselling and testing (VCT) for the last 10 years. The effort, however, only captured the provincial government’s recognition this year.
He said with the provincial government’s support this year, all business houses and stakeholders should also support the fight against the disease.
The celebrations in Wewak started at the district headquarters with a float by members of the Defence Force, Correctional Services, public servants, churches and the public to the main shopping centre in the heart of Wewak town where the main programme commemorating the World AIDS Day was held.