NCD AIDS committee sworn in

Caption: Chairman of NCD PAC Kila Dick and his Deputy Dr Niko Wuatai taking their oath of office.

By MATTHEW VARI

Wednesday, June 11, 2014

THE Provincial AIDS Committee for the National Capital District (NCD PAC) was sworn in last week, in Port Moresby.

In a swearing in ceremony hosted by the National Aids Council Secretariat (NACS), a total 18 member from various partners from NGOs, Health Professionals, and the National Capital District Commission.

The ceremony also saw for the first time the city’s authority taking the chairmanship position thorough the swearing in of NCDC Social Services Manager Kila Dick.

Mr Dick said that it would be a challenge for the committee to reevaluate its focus more on those affected by the disease.

He added that the committee would operate out of his office at the Commission with guidance from NACS.   

“I'll be coming here (NACS) and making sure that the challenges that have been put forward to us are dealt with,” the chairman said.

The new chairman referred to previous funding constraints because of priorities taken by the committee were more administrative then actual outreach programs aimed at prevention and those affected, with 2014 seeing a commitment of K500,000 from NCDC.

“Last year we did not get the funding from NCDC because there were certain areas that he (NCD Governor Powes Parkop) thought that we should look at the way funds for the committee were used, with emphasis on the funds to go to programs to support those who need it the most who are those affected, to care and assist them,” Mr Dick said

“I think that is the focus we should look at now, and identify partners who are the actual implementers of those programs I’ve mentioned.”

The K500,000 commitment by the city authority for the committee through NCD Governor Powes Parkop, will see me in my role as the chair to source the funding and come up with the appropriate visions.

Other members of the committee included its Deputy Chairman Dr Niko Wuatai Director at NCD Health Services, Modi Pontio, Doreen Nadile, Gabriel Aglua, Marcia Kalinoe, Carol Habin, David Mano, Jimmy Bunny, Dr Lutty Amos, Sr Maria Louella Olarte, Temu Eli, Jonathen Wala, Amelia Pinia, Dr Ipai Loyd, Senior Constable Peter Tedor, Joan Kim, and Heisy Novulu.

All members of the NCD PAC will serve in the committee for three years.