by Kiwiana Ngabung – EMTV Online, Port Moresby
Cancer is the second highest cause of death in the world – 1-in-6 deaths are due to cancer, globally. In Papua New Guinea, 1-in-10 deaths is caused by cancer according to research.
The Papua New Guinea Cancer Foundation has been implementing its Healthy Teens School Program (HTSP) among other work in order to reduce the numbers of cancer-caused deaths.
Today, the PNGCF team travelled out of Port Moresby to Lealea Primary School to conduct cancer awareness to the teachers and students of the school.
The Healthy Teens School Program (HTSP) is supported by ExxonMobil and this is the first one to be carried out in Central Province. PNGCF has already been to other schools in the country, including Morobe, Milne Bay, West New Britain and Port Moresby carrying out cancer education targeting students from grades 6 – 8.
Present today at the school was PNGCF CEO, Dadi Toka Jr.
Mr Toka thanked ExxonMobil for their support saying their assistance would go a long way in the fight against cancer.
“The Healthy Teens School Program is about education and empowering teenagers to make healthy lifestyle choices as a way to reduce their risk of cancer.
“The aim is to promote healthy lifestyles early, such as ‘don’t chew betel nut, don’t smoke, don’t drink alcohol, eat healthy and exercise regularly’,” Mr Toka said.
Also visiting the school was ExxonMobil’s Deputy Public and Government Affairs Manager, Nora Scheller, who expressed pleasure in partnering with the foundation and talking to the students.
“I’m really excited that we were able to partner with the Cancer Foundation. I think they’re an amazing foundation and they’re doing such a great work.”
Students were given giveaway packs that were made up of PNGCF & ExxonMobil co-branded rugby balls, water bottles and stationary packs that promote healthy lifestyles. They said they didn’t know much about cancer but after the awareness they have learnt a lot.
The next HTS Program will be at Papa Primary School tomorrow, Friday, September 8.
