HUMAN HEALTH IS INDIVIDUAL BUSINESS

The National  5 December 2018

Population drift between rural and urban areas poses a real risk of no-care sexual activities and the spread of HIV.

Lae Cycling Association leader Alfred Pogo said a lack of social services in the rural areas was forcing urban drifts in the hope of obtaining services.

Human health is an individual business and everyone has the responsibility to take ownership of their lives and check their health status for HIV and other STDs.

He said it is our attitude that affects our well being.  Families and communities should encourage our Melanesian culture to love and care for our relatives with HIV/AIDS,

Pogo said that people with HIV/AIDS should involve themselves in nation-building and community activities.

He noted a lack of awareness of STIs and HIV/AIDS in rural areas. It is sad that most villagers do not know what HIV/AIDS is.

We cannot sit and wait for funding because people are missing out on vital information.

Comment: Suggest that Head of UNAIDS David Bridger and I Gat Hop Maura Elaripe undertake a period of apprenticeship by going out to villages with the Lae Cycling Association to give real and practical AIDS Awareness advice.

It is time for us all to be professional and focus on the big picture. Do not blame families nor seek LGBT children who belong in families.