Businesses for Health Papua New Guinea (B4H) Program Manager Dr Ann Clarke has urged stronger national action to eliminate HIV, hepatitis B and syphilis, warning that the country’s future development depends on a healthy workforce.
Speaking at the 2025 B4H HIV Workshop on 5 November at the Gateway Hotel in Port Moresby, Dr Clarke called on workplaces, government agencies and community groups to intensify efforts to prevent the transmission of these infections, particularly from parent to child. More than 100 business leaders, health professionals, advocacy groups and students attended the full-day event focused on learning, awareness and workplace-centred discussions.
Rising HIV infections in PNG
The workshop took place against a backdrop of concerning national trends. Organisers said 11,000 new HIV infections were reported in the country last year, underscoring the need to urgently expand workplace programmes, community education, antenatal testing and STI treatment.
UNAIDS Strategic Information Adviser Peter Zimmbodilion presented the latest findings, saying PNG now has an estimated 120,000 people living with HIV, representing a 1.5% adult HIV prevalence rate — the country’s highest in a decade.
The 2025 PNG HIV factsheet shows an 84% rise in new infections since 2010. New cases increased from 1,800 in 2010 to 2,700 in 2024. Adults aged 15 and above accounted for most infections, rising from 1,500 cases in 2010 to 2,300 in 2024. Women over age 15 consistently recorded higher infection rates than men.
HIV prevalence among adults aged 15–49 rose from 1.0% in 2010 to 1.5% in 2024. The number of people living with HIV increased from 28,000 in 2010 to 55,000 in 2024, again with women slightly more affected. AIDS-related deaths also climbed from 1,100 in 2010 to 1,300 in 2024.
Prevention and treatment gaps
Zimmbodilion said the figures reflect persistent gaps in prevention and treatment. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) coverage remains low at 47%, leaving over half of people living with HIV without treatment. In 2024, only 102,500 condoms were distributed nationwide and several indicators point to continuing vulnerabilities among young people.
According to the testing and treatment cascade, approximately 60,000 people know their HIV status, with an even smaller number on treatment. Viral suppression coverage is lower still, highlighting barriers in access and adherence.
Zimmbodilion acknowledged the progress made by the National Department of Health and partners, noting that PNG currently has 165 clinics providing free ART, more than 400 clinics offering free HIV testing and all 800 antenatal clinics providing HIV screening.
However, he stressed that these services remain largely facility-based and inaccessible to many high-risk groups. “We need to bring testing and HIV prevention outside clinics and to communities, hotspots, nightclubs, and workplaces,” he said.
He added that many areas, particularly outside major centres, still lack condoms, dispensers and information on prevention tools such as PrEP.
Legal barriers and national spending
The report also highlights ongoing legal and policy barriers. PNG’s laws criminalise small quantities of drugs, sex work, transgender people and nondisclosure or exposure of HIV transmission. Parental consent for HIV testing is mandatory for adolescents under 18, and certain permits require compulsory testing. According to UNAIDS, these conditions fuel stigma, reduce access and heighten discrimination.
Total spending on HIV services in 2023 was US$24.1 million, mainly from domestic private and international sources.
Regional comparisons
Zimmbodilion drew attention to broader Asia-Pacific trends, where:
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78% of people living with HIV know their status,
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88% of those are on treatment, and
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97% of those on treatment are virally suppressed.
By comparison, PNG’s figures — 59%, 79% and 93% — place it among a small number of countries where infections are still rising. Zimmbodilion said PNG, alongside Fiji and the Philippines, is classified among “OEC countries” experiencing an Outbreak, Emergency or Crisis in HIV trends.
Five drivers of rising infections
Zimmbodilion identified five major factors contributing to the continued rise in infections:
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Limited community-based prevention: Very few services operate outside clinics, leaving high-risk groups unreached.
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Lack of condoms in public areas: Many hotspots and workplaces still do not have condoms or information on new prevention tools.
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Programme concentration in four provinces: Morobe, Western Highlands, NCD and Eastern Highlands have the most services, while most provinces remain underserved.
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Low antenatal attendance: Around half of pregnant women do not attend antenatal clinics, missing opportunities for testing and prevention.
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Fear and stigma: People living with HIV, men who have sex with men and transgender individuals often fear discrimination within health facilities.
Expanding HIV prevention tools
Zimmbodilion also highlighted new biomedical tools that could transform prevention in PNG. Oral PrEP is already available in select clinics in Port Moresby, Eastern Highlands and Morobe, with provincial expansion planned by 2026. The dapivirine vaginal ring, effective for 28 days and not requiring partner consent, has shown positive acceptability among female sex workers and is expected to become available following registration. A new injectable PrEP, lenacapavir, which is effective for six months per dose, may soon be accessible after approval for generic production.
“These tools can transform HIV prevention in PNG,” he said.
Strengthening workplace awareness
The workshop aimed to equip companies with practical tools and information as they prepare for World AIDS Day in December and strengthen HIV and STI education throughout the year.
Dr Clarke thanked B4H’s business supporters and acknowledged Coral Sea Hotels, the official venue sponsor. She said preventing absenteeism, reducing long-term illness and creating supportive environments for affected workers are essential to business productivity and national development.
Participants also received the official 2025 World AIDS Day T-shirt, sponsored by the National Capital District Commission. This year’s theme, “Test, Love Safely, Enjoy Healthy Children”, emphasises the importance of early testing, safe practices and consistent antenatal care.
Dr Clarke stressed that PNG continues to see rising numbers of adults and infants affected by HIV, syphilis and hepatitis B. These infections, she said, lead to infant deaths, chronic health issues and long-term impacts on families and the workforce.
“Our goal is for every Papua New Guinean to prioritise HIV testing, know their status, and take proactive steps to protect future generations,” she said. “We imagine a future where healthy workers and their families thrive. Together, we can prevent mother-to-child transmission and end stigma in communities.”
Triple elimination as a national priority
Health experts reiterated that eliminating these infections is achievable through sustained testing, treatment and awareness. Presentations focused on:
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HIV: Updated data and access to the 2025 HIV Factsheet.
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Syphilis: The economic burden of untreated STIs on businesses and productivity.
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Hepatitis B: The value of immunisation and simple awareness drives, with blood donation providing immediate hepatitis B status checks.
Speakers included Dr Garba Safiyanu of UNICEF and Jonathan Wala of the Burnet Institute. Student volunteers from the University of Papua New Guinea’s School of Medicine and Health Sciences supported the discussions.
B4H acknowledged the contributions of KPAC, Marie Stopes, UNAIDS, NACS, SBB Blood Bank and Her Health, all of whom provided information booths and expertise throughout the event.
The organisation also encouraged businesses to join its Red Ribbon Campaign by ordering and selling ribbons to support HIV initiatives.
“With the right commitment, awareness and treatment, we can eliminate vertical transmission and create a healthier future for PNG,” Dr Ann said. “Every business and every family has a role to play.”
