Vodafone ATH has amplified its commitment in the battle against HIV and AIDS by contributing $32,000 to a nationwide awareness and training initiative. This program aims to enhance community-level education and prevention efforts across the country.
The funding will support a project implemented by Australian Pacific Management Training (APMT), an Australian-based institution that will conduct training for representatives from all 14 provinces. These newly trained facilitators will subsequently return to their local communities to raise awareness about HIV, promote prevention strategies, and combat stigma associated with the virus.
Assistant Minister for Health, Penioni Ravunawa, emphasized the importance of this initiative, noting recent data indicating a concerning rise in HIV cases among the iTaukei population. He highlighted that community-based education is essential in curbing the spread of the virus, especially in rural and village areas where access to reliable information is often scarce.
Steve Chand, Chairman of the Higher Education Commission, affirmed APMT’s recognition and qualifications to execute the program effectively.
Vodafone ATH’s Chief Executive Officer, Ivan Fong, described the HIV situation as a national crisis, reaffirming the company’s dedication to supporting initiatives that safeguard lives and empower communities against the impacts of this virus.
This proactive move by Vodafone ATH represents a significant step towards improving public health and provides hope for enhanced awareness and education surrounding HIV and AIDS in vulnerable communities.