With the growing HIV and AIDS epidemic in Papua New Guinea numerous efforts and millions of kina have been spent to ensure the spread is at a minimal state.

And one very effective way is through debate which had been part of a three-day National Youth HIV and AIDS debate which was held at the University of Technology from the 21st to the 23rd of June this year.

Divine Word University debate team 2011 and also 2011 champion unversity for the National Youth HIV/AIDS debate. Picture by Samuel Toposona 

This was a collective effort by the National AIDS Council Secretariat with University of Technology amongst six major universities in the country.

A total of twenty topics were selected while they went head to head and put their skills and knowledge to the test.

It was a well organised event as defending university Pacific Adventist University and Divine University faced each other again in the final of debate as PAU went down to DWU.

Yes, an applause to the organising committee who ensured the debate ran smoothly. It was good to see how students from each university demonstrate how they know on issues related to HIV and AIDS.

Universities which were involved included hosts University of Technology based in Lae, University of Goroka from in Eastern Highlands Province, Divine Word University in Madang Province, University of Papua New Guinea and Pacific Adventist University both based in Port Moresby.

Gloria became the debator of the event. She attends Divine Word University.

This three-day event ended with a trophy and medals presentation at the Melanesian Hotel while next year’s (2011) host will be the University of PNG.

On that note would you agree with this approach in targetting youths at tertiary institutions is the way to go in effectively trying to emphasise the impact of HIV and AIDS in developing countries like PNG.

Perhaps you might have brilliant ideas why not share it so we can work together to find a solution.