A six days walk from Asaro to Kundiawa over the Kuralba Pass was undertaken to raise general awareness on the increasing rate of cancer in PNG.
The increasing rate of cancer, particularly cervical cancer, the non-availability of cancer treatment facilities in the Highlands region is a concern.
The walk was to do something as a people rising above the immerging health challenge to raise funds for a holistic approach to address cancer in a coordinated manner.
About 450 registered walkers from all walks of life and from all parts of Papua New Guinea took part in this six days walk from November 13 to 18, while a one day awareness against cancer was given on Nov 19.
However, many more joined along the way so 700 plus people walked from Asaro to Kundiawa. This walk was an experience of a lifetime they will never forget. For the Catholics who took part, the seven days of prayer and penance was a meaningful way to end the Holy Jubilee Year of Mercy in PNG.
The walk was filled with community traditional ceremonies of welcome and singsing, prayer virgils and spot community contributions towards the purchase of Cancer Treatment Facilities.
Other powerful activities included; Medical checks and health awareness conducted by accompanying doctors and medical team, Dr. Freda Wemin from Goroka General Hospital and HEOs and nurses form the Catholic Health Services of Goroka Diocese.
Peter Umba representative from Kafe Women`s Association raising awareness on Family Sexual Violence due to an immerging connection noted between HIV AIDS, Cervical Cancer and Family Sexual Violence.
Sr. Maryann - Director Mercy Works PNG covered the need for showing mercy and compassion through actions while the media team from NBC Goroka covered the event with daily broadcasts on the local radios.
The walkers were met along the way in Goglme , upper Chimbu (Kundiawa -Gembogl District ) by the electoral staff of Tobias Kulang MP Minister for Tourism Arts and Culture. The Minister pledged K25,000 in topping up the community contributions from his District during the Walk. Another K10,000 was spend on food for the walkers .
Seven pigs , a goat,bananas and bundles of Sugar cane were prepared for the walkers in the traditional “Simbu Way” to show appreciation and support for the cause they voluntarily took up.
Simbu Governor Noah Kool and Staff of Simbu Provincial Administration received the walkers in the ceremonial ground in front of the Kondom Agaundo Building (Provincial Headquarters). He pledged his support to the cause and gave another K10,000 for the hire of 14 x 25 Seater Buses for the walkers to travel back to Goroka in a convoy of vehicles as a “Drive against Cancer.”
The Kundiawa Catholic Women`s association ended the walk with a very big feast at the Kundiawa Parish Hall and presented a cheque of K3,000 towards the fundraising. President Fransisca Moiwo assured Team WTTAC that Team Simbu led by the Kundiawa Catholic Women`s Association will fully support the initiative to have a fully operational cancer unit in the Highlands.
Back in Goroka, the walkers were welcomed back by the two Bishops of Goroka, retired Bishop Francesco Sarego who is the Patron of this project, Walk the Talk Against Cancer Fundraising Initiative and the Bishop Darius who is the new bishop.
The key message that came out of this walk is “Maintaining Strong Partnerships among the People, Churches and government is the way forward for PNG after 40 years of Independence.
“We must refocus, determine what is best for our people and country and move forward collectively for we are Papua New Guinea.”