As transmission rates soar, Papua New Guinea has declared a national HIV crisis to try and galvanise action to prevent the spread of the virus.
UNAIDS and the World Health Organization estimate the Pacific nation recorded 11,000 new cases last year alone.
That’s equivalent to 30 new positive tests a day, including seven newborns, who can be prevented from contracting HIV through antiretroviral therapy.
PNG health minister Elias Kapavore said the trend was “deeply concerning” when declaring the national crisis at a press conference.
Emergency response activated
The declaration activates a national emergency response plan, enabling cross-sector coordination and investment in HIV services.
Adding to the anguish at the figures is the advancement of treatment and prevention options for HIV.
Most crucial is improving testing rates, so that more of the estimated 120,000 in Papua New Guinea with HIV can seek treatment.
Acting PNG health secretary Ken Wai said testing every pregnant woman can allow them to know their status and then access medication that prevents transmitting the virus to their child.
“We must scale up access to HIV testing and treatment, particularly for groups most at risk. These priority initiatives should be offered at health facilities nationwide, and will require community leadership and support,” he said.
‘A disease of inequality’
Kapavore called HIV a “disease of inequality” and said it was “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,” he said.
