NEW DAWN ON BOUGAINVILLE

AIDS awareness is being built through drama

By Tapo Tovilu

The work of spreading awareness of HIV/AIDS is not only done by talking. It’s also being done through drama.

Duncan Mohin from Nova 1 village says awareness is being built by performances of the Tzimanakora Theatre group, which he leads.

The group started in November 2008 involves youths from Nova 1 who are currently involved in passing the message to communities around the region.

“We advocate against HIV/ AIDS, drugs, domestic violence and other social issues which are affecting our communities today,” Duncan said.

“We have involved the youths because it will help them stay out of trouble”. 

From the beginning of the program he has overseen the recruitment of more than 17 members.

He said there has been a big difference in the behaviour and the mentality of the male and female youths who have joined the group.

“I have seen many people change and I am confident that more will join us,” Duncan said.

Training and awareness has been given to them by the AIDS Authority and are currently touring communities in Buka with CARE International.

Tapo Tovilu is a journalism student at Divine Word University

Marriage announced at AIDS awareness day

By Fidelis Lucio

Pororan Island in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville commemorated World AIDS Day last Thursday.

Lawrence Bele, ABG member for Peit, praised Care International for its work in recognizing the people’s need for HIV/AIDS information and for running an awareness program in his constituency.

Mr Bele thanked the Assistant Director of Care in PNG, Carol Nelson, for recognising his people’s needs and asked Care to provide other other practical life skills and programs that will improve the living standards of people on the Island.  

Brenda Koru, a person living with HIV/AIDS, said a person living with the virus has the right to be educated, employed and married.

She was concerned about family and community support for people living with AIDS and urged these people to come out of their fear and shyness and get on with their lives.

She also asked mothers to go for blood testing to get to know their health status as early as possible so they can get early treatment.

Peter Nangu, another person living with AIDS, is to marry Brenda and said he is confident they will produce a negative child in near future.

The marriage was compared to a “second coming” with the aim of never say die.

The celebration ended with many cultural performances and dances.

Fidelis Lucio is a journalism student at Divine Word University

Doctor warns that diabetes is on the increase

By Aloysius Laukai

Diabetes is on the rise and killing a lot of Bougainvilleans according to Dr Joe Poten Vilosi of the Buka General Hospital.

Speaking on New Dawn FM’s talk back show, Dr Vilosi blamed eating habits as the main cause. Diabetes is closely associated with being overweight.

Dr Vilosi said the normal range of sugar in the body is between 3 and 8 and increased levels can have bad effects on people, and even lead to death. Signs and symptoms of serious diabetes are bad eye sight, loss of weight and urinating at short intervals.

He said Buka General Hospital sees at least one or two new patients every day and is warning the people to cut down on their sugar intake.

Dr Vilosi, who is also coordinator for the United Nations-funded health outreach program, will present weekly awareness talks on a number of diseases and ways to prevent getting them.

New Dawn FM broadcasts these live talk back shows at 11.30 am every Friday.