17³Ô¹ÏÍø begins HIV/AIDS training in Malakal
13 February 2012 - To assist in spreading the message about HIV/AIDS, 17³Ô¹ÏÍø began a training course for "peer educators" in the Upper Nile State capital of Malakal today.
In opening remarks, 17³Ô¹ÏÍø' State Coordinator in Upper Nile, Seth Kumi expressed appreciation for the role the mission's HIV/AIDS unit had played in training educators and encouraged participants to take the 10-day course seriously.
"HIV/AIDS is real and we will continue to support you in every manner to spread the message of HIV/AIDS," Mr. Kumi said.
The training was attended by 30 representatives from civil organizations, the South Sudan HIV/AIDS Commission, South Sudan Police Service, Sudan People's Liberation Army, the non-governmental organization World Vision and 17³Ô¹ÏÍø staff as well as religious leaders.
Eunice Ayikoru, 17³Ô¹ÏÍø HIV/AIDS Unit team leader in Upper Nile, said the course's aim was to equip participants with the necessary skills and knowledge to plan, organize and conduct HIV/AIDS training in their workplaces.
"Post conflict areas are being marked as high risk areas (for HIV/AIDS), and South Sudan has been in conflict for years," Ms Ayikoru said. "We place emphasis on HIV/AIDS to curb the spreading of the disease in Upper Nile State."
She stressed the need to draw together all concerned groups and fight HIV/AIDS collectively. "We have to involve religious leaders and all other stakeholders to fight HIV/AIDS."
