From Left, Lesman Tabun, Costan Karma and Th. Pasaribu (Jubi / RoberthWanggai)
Jayapura, Jubi – The circumcision program initiated by the National AIDS Commission of Papua Province (KPA Papua) drew serious attention from the Ministry of Health.
KPA Papua has been invited to Jakarta in order to discuss with experts and professors regarding the progrom. The secretary of KPA Papua, Constant Karma said on Friday (30/1), he was invited by the Ministry of Health through the Director of P2PL.
“They would like to hear more about the program of circumcision that related to HIV. Perhaps they want to hear more about about our work in implementing the program right now,” Karma said on Thursday (29/1) after the official opening of the Workshop Evaluation and Review of Communication Strategy Implementation Measures Prevention of HIV / AIDS in the central highlands of Papua, which took place at the Gover nor’s office in Jayapura.
The ministry supported the circumcision program as an effective measure in preventing HIV / AIDS in Papua.
The aim of this program is only for health reasons, yet there are some different views from different parties like from the churches who refuse it.
“But we emphasize this program for reproductive health in order to maintain and preserve lives. We hope that circumcision can prevent sexually transmitted diseases related to reproductive health.” Karma added.
The chairman of the GKI Synod in Papua, Rev. AlberthYoku in his speech of the 56-year anniversary celebration on October 26, 2012 said the church should not think like NGOs to campaign issue about condoms and circumcision but the church must campaign to increase the faith of the congregation. (RoberthWanggai / TN)
