Among the many voices advocating economic progress and regional cooperation at the 40th Australia–Papua New Guinea Business Forum and Trade Expo this year, Dr Ann Clarke and her team from the Businesses for Health: TB & HIV Project (B4H) used their platform to speak out on the ongoing public health crises of tuberculosis (TB) and HIV in Papua New Guinea.
B4H had an information booth at the forum’s trade expo, held at The Stanley Hotel in Port Moresby from 23 to 25 June. The team engaged hundreds of business representatives in open, face-to-face conversations about the impact of TB and HIV in the workplace and the vital role businesses can play in reversing the trend.
“Thank you PNG Business Council and the Australia PNG Business Council,” said Clarke, who leads the B4H project.
“At this year’s forum and expo, the Businesses for Health: TB & HIV Project hosted a booth highlighting the role Australian and PNG companies can play in ending the worsening crises of tuberculosis and HIV in Papua New Guinea.”
Clarke emphasised that workplace engagement is both a social responsibility and a life-saving intervention.
“I have seen firsthand how sustained corporate responsibility and active workplace engagement directly change the course of these horrible but preventable and manageable infectious diseases,” she said.
She acknowledged the continued support of numerous companies. This year’s “star supporters of health” include Airways and the Constantinou Group, G4S and workplace trainees from Kenmore Group, Westpac, SP Brewery, PNG Business News, Hastings Deering, Atlas Steel, EFM, Trukai, IEA, iPi, IBS University, NSL, Air Niugini, Oilmin, Purewater, Brian Bell Group and PNG Motors.
“Their commitment to consistent training about TB and HIV equips employees not just to prevent, identify and manage disease but, importantly, to learn essential skills in social support—critical for overcoming the stigma and discrimination that still surrounds TB and HIV in our homes, workplaces, churches, sports teams and communities,” Clarke explained.
She said events like the trade expo offer a unique setting for authentic human interaction, crucial for confronting sensitive health issues often avoided in everyday conversations.
“Face-to-face engagement at events like the expo provides human and genuinely animated opportunities to openly discuss these sensitive issues, clarify misconceptions and reinforce positive messaging about infectious diseases. In an age increasingly dominated by screens and dodgy digital interactions, these personal exchanges help us build genuine relationships, essential for a collective response to PNG’s health crises.”
The B4H team—including Lorrie Tapora, Teresa, Sharlo, Lowen and colleagues—used the expo to invite every business to attend upcoming workplace training sessions in August and October 2025. These sessions are designed to empower employees with practical knowledge, empathy and leadership tools.
“I thank the PNG Business Council sincerely for their support in facilitating our participation. Their partnership enables us to maintain momentum in training, educating and empowering workplaces to end stigma, promote health and save lives,” she added.
Dr Clarke encouraged businesses to register early by calling the TB Info Line on 7676 2482.
The message from the B4H team is clear: business has a vital role to play not just in commerce but in building a healthier, more inclusive society.
