Churchs in Papua New Guinea yesterday commemorated the 2017 World AIDS Day with a worship service held at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Koki.

The World AIDS Day 2017 Theme for the Churches in PNG is “securing our future now from HIV” focusing on children’s rights to prevention, testing, treatment and care and support.

Despite the small number of people atteding the service, chairman of PNG Christian Leaders Alliance on HIV and AIDS, Sir John Ribat said the World AIDS Day falls on December 1 and would be celebrated globally.

“The churches had chosen this day to reflect on this issue and see how far they have come in addressing the issues on HIV and AIDS in the country,” Archbishop Sir John said.

He said based on the theme, PNG Council of Churches general-secretary Reverend Roger Joseph in his sermon spoke on the book of Ephesians 6: 1 to 6 which instructs children to obey their parents as this is the right thing to do in life.

“Because wisdom always comes if you listen to those advices. For parents, it is important to be with your children and trust your children in order for them to have a secured future,” Mr Joseph said.

Archbishop Sir John said as a church, they must be part of the lives of people leaving with HIV and AIDS (PLHIV) and provide love, care and support they need and stand united with them.

“For us to have a service today is unique instead on the actual day.

“In God alone, we can fight this deadly disease. The Word of God is the answer,” he said.

Sir John commended the se churches who have been actively involved in advocating on HIV and AIDS and caring for PLHIV in their various communities int he country.

“The churches have an important role to play in addressing issues on HIV/AIDS and others,” he said.

Sir John encouraged the churches to put their differences aside and work in unity to address the fight against HIV and AIDS and be the voice of the needy.