Global AIDS - Papua New Guinea

Church Leaders Unite on AIDS-Related Issues

Four prominent church leaders will appear on EMTV current affairs programme Insait in a panel discussion addressing issues related to the growing problem of HIV/AIDS in Papua New Guinea.

The panel discussion, convened and hosted by Anna Awasa, was recorded in the studios of EMTV over two nights and is due to appear on EMTV in two half-hour special editions of Insait on Monday November 8 and 15.

The panel consisted of Bishop Peter Fox, Anglican Church; Reverend Samson Lowa, United Church; Pastor Tony Dalaka, Assemblies of God; and Fr Jude Ronayne-Forde, Catholic Church. Among topics discussed include what the churches are doing in PNG to reach out to people to overcome stigma and discrimination associated with AIDS. The panel addressed issues of sexuality, family life, and the importance of all churches working together and sharing resources to address the issue of AIDS, particularly in relation to those people in PNG directly impacted by the disease.

The program was initiated as part of the Anti Stigma and Discrimination Campaign developed by the National HIV/AIDS Project and the National AIDS Council. As a very Christian country, it was agreed that the churches have a significant role and responsibility to play in Papua New Guinea's response to the AIDS crisis.

The special editions of Insait will coincide with a new anti stigma and discrimination campaign by the National AIDS Council of PNG. Advertisements relating to the campaign will be shown during the one commercial break in each programme. Insait will also carry an information 'crawl' at the foot of the screen with telephone numbers for viewers wanting to contact the respective churches.

Insait host Anna Awasa said that the two-part panel discussion gave a fascinating insight into the churches' response to the AIDS crisis in Papua New Guinea.

"It is particularly encouraging to see and hear our church leaders working side by side and overcoming doctrinal differences. It shows our church leaders are good shepherds and they genuinely care for their flock. If any good is to come out of the AIDS situation in our country, it will be that we have all learnt to care again" Awasa said.

Insait: AIDS/ Church Leaders Panel Discussion,

EMTV Monday November 8 and 15, 8pm.