Oil Search stresses role of public-private partnerships in HIV response To commemorate World AIDS Day 2014 yesterday, Oil Search sponsored a parliamentary morning tea and panel discussion to highlight some of the issues surrounding HIV. The event provided the opportunity for companies, NGOs and Government officials to discuss how their combined involvement may help save lives. The event, co-hosted by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Honourable Julie Bishop MP, and the Director of the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Professor Sharon Lewin, was held on Monday 1 December at Parliament House in Canberra. “Societal needs, not just conventional economic fundamentals, define our operating environment,” said Peter Botten, Managing Director of Oil Search. “HIV is a threat to society that requires unwavering leadership and commitment. The proactive participation of the corporate sector is not only needed, but is a social obligation.” The panel discussion “HIV in Our Region and the World: 2014 and Beyond” was moderated by Fran Kelly, current affairs journalist, political correspondent and host of ABC’s Radio National programme. Panellists included: • The Honourable Julie Bishop MP, Minister for Foreign Affairs • Professor Sharon Lewin, Director of the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity • The Honourable Tanya Plibersek MP, Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs • Ms Stephanie Copus-Campbell, Board Director, Oil Search Health Foundation • Mr Robert Mitchell, President, National Association of People with HIV Australia In July, Oil Search was a major sponsor of the AIDS 2014 conference in Melbourne, where it emphasised the need to increase the role of the private sector in the global HIV response. Oil Search has been active in strengthening and supporting the health systems of Papua New Guinea (PNG) and working with the PNG Government to combat diseases like HIV. In addition to malaria and maternal and child health interventions, the Oil Search Health Foundation drives initiatives which seek to build capacity amongst PNG’s healthcare workers and strengthen health systems so that vital HIV prevention and treatment interventions are delivered to those who need them most. The Health Foundation supports over 50 rural health facilities that provide HIV counselling and testing and also provides care and treatment for those who are affected by the disease. In 2013, the Foundation: • facilitated the HIV testing of nearly 18,000 people • distributed approximately half a million condoms • helped HIV-infected pregnant women receive anti-retrovirals to reduce the risk of mother-to-child infection.
Posted on: Mon, 01 Dec 2014 20:44:16 +0000
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