The Papua New Guinea Cancer Foundation (PNGCF) has announced its 2017 partnership with ExxonMobil PNG Limited to conduct cancer education and awareness programs in schools this year.
ExxonMobil PNG, on behalf of PNG LNG, has contributed K165,000 towards PNG Cancer Foundation’s Healthy Teens School Program (HTSP). This brings ExxonMobil PNG’s support to K269,700 for PNGCF awareness programs since 2014.
The partnership will see the program rolled out to schools in Papa Lealea, Hanuabada, Baruni, Boera, Tatana, Porebada, Port Moresby, Hides and Moro.
It is targeted at primary school students in grades Six to Eight and aims to encourage teenagers to make healthy lifestyle choices as a way to reduce their risk of developing cancer.
PNG Cancer Foundation’s CEO, Dadi Toka Jr, said: “ExxonMobil PNG is a great supporter of the work of the foundation. We are pleased to continue this partnership to conduct education and awareness programs in schools.”
Toka also highlighted the main message of the PNGCF cancer education & awareness programs in schools.
“We encourage and educate on healthy lifestyle choices – such as Don’t Chew Betel Nut, Don’t Smoke, Reduce Alcohol, Eat Healthy & Exercise Regularly as a way to reduce the risk of developing cancer in the future,” said Toka.
ExxonMobil PNG public and government affairs manager, Daniel Worrall, said: “Together we can educate the younger generation on how they can take action to maintain a healthy lifestyle and reduce their risk of developing cancer.
“We are pleased to continue our partnership with PNGCF to help combat this terrible disease and support the well-being of Papua New Guineans,” Worrall added
PNGCF’s HTS program reached more than 2,000 students in Milne Bay, West New Britain and Port Moresby in 2016. This year it has reached over 1,000 students in Lae, Morobe Province. With the assistance of ExxonMobil, PNGCF aims to cover more schools in the Central Province, Port Moresby, Hides and Moro.
PNGCF thanked ExxonMobil PNG for joining the fight against cancer in PNG.