Awareness Drive empowers locals
25 Jul 2025
As part of efforts under the PACD Cocoa Component 2: Agriculture Feeder Roads and Market Access Project, critical health awareness initiatives are being integrated into infrastructure development to empower and protect local communities.
In May 2025, two key contractors—Covec Limited and Kokopo Plant Hire—engaged the East New Britain Red Cross team to deliver HIV/AIDS awareness programs to both their workers and the surrounding cocoa-farming communities. This initiative was part of their social safeguard responsibilities embedded in their contracts.
Cocoa farmers residing along the Vunapalading-Burit road in Inland Baining, Gazelle District, and those in the Kulungere community of Sinivit LLG now benefit not only from improved road access but also vital health knowledge. During the sessions, contractor workers and community members—including men, women, and youths—paused their regular activities to participate in the awareness programs.
Led by ENB Red Cross Program Manager Steven Kilalang and Health Team Manager Olyna Toriki, the sessions covered key topics such as the basics of HIV/AIDS, modes of transmission, prevention methods, the importance of testing, and the impact of stigma and discrimination. Additionally, participants received training in basic first aid and workplace safety, equipping them with essential emergency response skills.
Senior Engineer and PACD Cocoa Component 2 Coordinator, Mr. Raymond Paulias, emphasized the importance of environmental and social safeguards in all PACD project components. He noted that as contractors bring in workers from outside, there is an increased risk of introducing social issues, and awareness efforts like these are aimed at mitigating such risks.
"This awareness is not just about information, it's about responsibility. It is our duty to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone we impact," Mr. Paulias stated. He confirmed that this was the first session, with another scheduled for later in the year. These integrated health initiatives reflect a holistic approach to development—where physical infrastructure goes hand in hand with community empowerment and well-being.
A lead farmer from Burit Steven Liai commented that as a farmer he doesn’t always get the chance to learn about health issues like HIV/AIDS and other diseases.
“Attending this awareness program has opened my eyes, I now understand how to protect myself and my family and I can share what I have learned with other that did not come to attend this important training,” said Steven.
In May 2025, two key contractors—Covec Limited and Kokopo Plant Hire—engaged the East New Britain Red Cross team to deliver HIV/AIDS awareness programs to both their workers and the surrounding cocoa-farming communities. This initiative was part of their social safeguard responsibilities embedded in their contracts.
Cocoa farmers residing along the Vunapalading-Burit road in Inland Baining, Gazelle District, and those in the Kulungere community of Sinivit LLG now benefit not only from improved road access but also vital health knowledge. During the sessions, contractor workers and community members—including men, women, and youths—paused their regular activities to participate in the awareness programs.
Led by ENB Red Cross Program Manager Steven Kilalang and Health Team Manager Olyna Toriki, the sessions covered key topics such as the basics of HIV/AIDS, modes of transmission, prevention methods, the importance of testing, and the impact of stigma and discrimination. Additionally, participants received training in basic first aid and workplace safety, equipping them with essential emergency response skills.
Senior Engineer and PACD Cocoa Component 2 Coordinator, Mr. Raymond Paulias, emphasized the importance of environmental and social safeguards in all PACD project components. He noted that as contractors bring in workers from outside, there is an increased risk of introducing social issues, and awareness efforts like these are aimed at mitigating such risks.
"This awareness is not just about information, it's about responsibility. It is our duty to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone we impact," Mr. Paulias stated. He confirmed that this was the first session, with another scheduled for later in the year. These integrated health initiatives reflect a holistic approach to development—where physical infrastructure goes hand in hand with community empowerment and well-being.
A lead farmer from Burit Steven Liai commented that as a farmer he doesn’t always get the chance to learn about health issues like HIV/AIDS and other diseases.
“Attending this awareness program has opened my eyes, I now understand how to protect myself and my family and I can share what I have learned with other that did not come to attend this important training,” said Steven.
