MEDIA RELEASE | 14 November 2011 | ||
| PNG Ports fully supports the fight against HIV/AIDS in the country PNG Ports Corporation Limited (PNGPCL) has been an responsible corporate citizen and active member in supporting the Campaign for the fight against HIV/AIDS in the country. Since 2009, the Corporation has participated in the Campaign only at its Head Office and Port Moresby Port with staff wearing red ribbons and also red hang down ribbon to mark 1st December as the World Aids Day. However, for this year, an internal program has been planned to be rolled out at all its Ports throughout the country to enable employees to understand and pariticpate in the implementation of Workplace HIV/AIDS policy in PNG Ports. PNGPCL Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Brian Riches said the remembrance of the World AIDS Day coincide with the Corporation’s commemoration of the 20 days of activism towards the “Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls”. He said: “PNG Ports supports the fight against this epidemic and sees educating its employees about its Workplace HIV/AIDS Policy is a significant and effective measure to assist in addressing this fast and widespread disease.” Mr. Riches said the Policy sets a framework on how to deal with HIV/AIDS cases including the prevention of stigma which is currently being faced by people living with HIV/AIDS in the country. He urged all employees to educate themselves on the existing policy and act as advocates in supporting the Campaign against fighting this disease. PNGPCL Life Skills Coach, Mrs. Arietta Kairey said the internal program will be launched on Thursday 1st December, at the respective ports allowing for awareness to be carried out to 16th December, 2011. “PNG Ports is committed to partner with other organisations to support this Campaign against HIV/AIDS and see that raising awareness to employees will enable them to better understand the epidemic as a development issue that requires a collective effort to address.” It is anticipated that Provincial Aids Council Representatives in the provinces where the ports are located will conduct an HIV/AIDS awareness program as well as educating employees of the Workplace HIV/AIDS Policy. For more information, please contact: | |||
| |||