Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Rome (Agenzia Fides) - Missionaries in PNG are deeply concerned for the spread of the HIV/AIDS virus which affects 30% of the more remote areas of the territory and represents a major problem for the local communities.
In a meeting with the Auxiliary Bishop of Melbourne Christopher Prose, who visited Gulf province recently Papua New Guinea, Catholic pupils said AIDS was the principal problem in the country but not one of them mentioned that the best way to prevent AIDS is chastity before marriage and fidelity in marriage.
When the Bishop asked pupils of Bema Catholic School what was the main problem in PNG they all replied without hesitation, HIV/AIDS .
Catholic missionaries in the region uphold Catholic Church teaching in this regard, said Mother Superior at Bema School, Sr Claudia Mendes. “To keep a family together Catholic health-workers may suggest an infected husband should use a condom, but fidelity and continence are the best way to prevent AIDS”, the Sister concluded . (AP) (25/9/2006 Agenzia Fides; Righe:19; Parole:212)
