Two workshops on HIV and AIDs have been held during 2005. The first of these took place in Goroka between 15th and 17th March, and was followed by a similar gathering in Lae between 16th and 18th August. On both occasions the group comprised leaders of several Christian denominations, from the largest to the smallest. At the conclusion of the Goroka workship the Church leaders gathered produced a statement on HIV and AIDS which was presented to the Government. At the follow-up meeting in Lae the leaders endorsed the Statement but noted with regret that no response had been received from the Government.
The Statement was as follows; ___
Statement from the “Heads of Churches Leadership Workshop on HIV/AIDS” to the Government and people of Papua New Guinea. As representatives of Church in PNG gathered in Goroka, we want to thank the Government for the recognition of HIV/AIDS as an epidemic, and for acting upon that recognition by creating the National AIDS Council Secretariat, and the many good works that have come from that, including the National HIV/AIDS Management & Prevention Act of 2003, the National Strategic Plan for 2004-2008, and the formalization of the Parliamentary Standing Committee. Although we commend the Government for these works, much more needs to be done as HIV/AIDS cuts across all sectors of our country. There is substantial growth in poverty, increasing unemployment and lack of job opportunities, leading to law and order problems. We know these factors are increasing the numbers of people infected by HIV/AIDS. The Government needs to highlight existing laws related to the reduction of risk behaviour leading to the spread of HIV/AIDS, and to strictly enforce these laws. The Government needs to place a higher budgetary priority by increasing the financial allocation to health, education, awareness and prevention of HIV/AIDS, as well as the care of those who are infected and affected. Churches in PNG desire to develop a partnership with the Government at the three levels, other faith-based, non-governmental and community-based organisations to stop the spread of this epidemic. As HIV/AIDS has now been noted to be in all of the provinces of PNG, both in the cities and the rural villages, churches have the ability to extend beyond the reach of the Government even into rural areas, where 80% of the population live. The participating churches desire to work in partnership with the Government to educate people about HIV/AIDS and to prevent the spread of this epidemic. Churches in PNG also desire co-operation in the on-going care of those who are HIV Positive and in the further development of care centres as well as better equipped and resourced medical facilities throughout the country. There has been stigma and discrimination of those infected and affected with HIV. We have often been slow to give a caring response. We acknowledge our complicity and ask forgiveness. We recognise HIV as a problem we share and stand together in calling on the people of this land to re-dedicate themselves to God in whom we trust.
Signed by Church Leaders at Goroka, Eastern Highlands Province – 17th March, 2005
