Australian League Stars Spread HIV/AIDS Message in Papua New Guinea

Several Australian rugby stars, including retiring Sydney Roosters Captain Luke Ricketson and Bulldogs player Braith Anasta, were visiting Papua New Guinea this week as part of an AIDS education effort funded by AusAID. At Port Moresby National High School, the sports figures were greeted by hundreds of cheering students and talked about HIV/AIDS prevention and stopping violence against women. Papua New Guinea has the Pacific region's highest reported rate of HIV/AIDS: Almost 2 percent of the population is believed to be HIV-positive. While Ricketson encouraged students to learn about safe sex and guard their health, Anasta spoke about the importance of respecting families, wives, girlfriends and parents. Other league figures visited additional schools and health centers.

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