wfn.org | Papua New Guinea: Church Tackles AIDS Challenge

[Worldwide Faith News <wfn@wfn.org>]

In a practical response to the increasing incidence of AIDS in the country,
Seventh-day Adventist health professionals have initiated a training and
prevention program that seeks to involve all church members in responding to
the challenges brought by HIV transmission.

Over 600 Adventist pastors and their wives met July 4 at Kabiufa High School
near Goroka to receive training in AIDS awareness and counseling regarding
HIV infection. Trainers included doctors and health experts from the U.S.
and Australia, as well as from the local area.

"This event marks a new day in the fight against HIV/AIDS in Papua New
Guinea," says Percy Harrold, health director for the Adventist Church's
South Pacific Division. "No longer can the church bury its head in the sand.
No longer can pastors say 'I can only give the Biblical stand.' Now pastors
are equipped to give practical advice as well in preventing HIV infection."

The Adventist Church has long promoted the benefits of a healthy lifestyle.
"This is just another example of the Church's commitment to a healthy
society based on wise health practices and moral principles," says Tom
Neslund, associate health director at the Adventist Church World
Headquarters in Silver Spring, Maryland, USA. "We believe in practical
involvement, making a real difference in people's lives. The fight against
AIDS is part of this commitment." [Jonathan Gallagher - ANN]
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Contact Information:
Communications Department
General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists
12501 Old Columbia Pike
Silver Spring, MD 20904-6600
Phone: 301-680-6300
e-mail: info@gc.adventist.org
web: http://www.adventist.org/