Papua New Guinea declares national HIV crisis as infections surge
The country's health minister says the rise in new HIV infections is 'deeply concerning', with cases doubling since 2010 and an estimated 30 people contracting the virus daily in 2024. Scott Waide, RNZ Pacific PNG correspondent
Papua New Guinea is grappling with a severe resurgence of HIV, prompting the government to declare a National HIV Crisis.
New data reveals a doubling of new infections since 2010, with an estimated 30 people contracting the virus daily in 2024, totaling approximately 11,000 new cases last year alone.
This alarming trend highlights a deepening crisis, particularly impacting women, children, and young people.
A deeply concerning aspect of this resurgence is the high rate of mother-to-child transmission.
In 2024, around 2,700 infants were newly infected with HIV, equating to about seven babies per day. The primary reason for these preventable infections is that most mothers were unaware of their HIV status and, consequently, did not receive the crucial antiretroviral therapy (ART) that could have prevented transmission to their babies during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
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This significant gap in maternal health services highlights the urgent need to boost antenatal care uptake and broaden HIV testing, counselling, and treatment services for all pregnant women across the nation.
'The rise in new HIV infections in PNG is deeply concerning. And as such, I am declaring this a National HIV Crisis,' Health Minister Elias Kapavore said.
Kapavore further stressed the societal roots of the epidemic and his commitment to addressing them.
'HIV is a disease of inequality. We need to support and empower those most impacted. It is time for all of us to step-up.
'I personally commit to raising this issue with my fellow ministers and parliamentarians and ensuring the urgent allocation of resources to protect our people – especially the next generation of Papua New Guineans.'
Department of Health acting secretary Ken Wai echoed Kapavore's call to action, emphasising the need for expanded access to vital services.
'We must scale-up access to HIV testing and treatment, particularly for groups most at risk.'
He added that these critical initiatives need to be available at health facilities nationwide and will require robust community leadership and support.
The World Health Organisation PNG country representative Dr Sevil Huseynova highlighted the importance of robust health systems in the fight against HIV.
'We must strengthen our health systems to ensure universal access to HIV testing, treatment, and prevention services, especially for pregnant women and young people.
'This is a test of our collective commitment to health for all. WHO stands firmly with the Government of Papua New Guinea to scale up integrated, person-centered care that leaves no one behind.'
UNAIDS PNG country director Manoela Manova strongly endorsed the statements from Kapavore and Wai, drawing attention to the pervasive issue of stigma.
'This is a shared public health crisis that demands shared responsibility. Everyone has a role to play in dismantling harmful myths, stigma, and discrimination associated with HIV,' Manova said.
These attitudes undermine prevention, testing and treatment efforts, and hold us back from ending HIV as a public health threat in Papua New Guinea.'
The United Nations says it will provide as much support as needed to the government to contain this crisis.
The declaration of a National HIV Crisis will trigger an emergency response plan, aiming to enhance cross-sector coordination and prioritize investments in HIV services at all levels.
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