PNG Coalition Against HIV/AIDS to implement programs in businesses nationwide

Feb 4 2008

The Papua New Guinea Business Coalition Against HIV/AIDS plans to work with businesses in the country to implement the coalition's policy on HIV/AIDS in the workplace, Rod Mitchell, CEO of the coalition, said recently, the Papua New Guinea Post-Courier reports.

According to Mitchell, the coalition trains business leaders to educate workers on policies and principles regarding HIV/AIDS. The coalition also helps businesses develop and coordinate the involvement of other stakeholders in implementing HIV education into the workplace. Dominica Abo -- director of Anglicare Stop AIDS, which implements HIV education programs in businesses -- said companies in the country need to increase HIV/AIDS awareness and training for workers.

Mitchell said HIV is spreading throughout the country because of low condom use, multiple sex partners and high rates of sexually transmitted infections. In addition, underdevelopment of transportation and infrastructure, internal economic migration, the low status of women and violence against women also are fueling the spread of HIV in the country, Mitchell said (Papua New Guinea Post-Courier, 2/1).