Madang province on Monday the 1st of December, joined other provinces across Papua New Guinea in commemorating World AIDS Day with hundreds gathering at Bates Oval in Madang town for the event.

Health officers from the Madang Provincial Health Authority (MPHA), community groups, and members of the public assembled to observe the global event, held every year on December 1st.

This year’s theme, “Rethink, Rebuild, and Rise,” highlights the collective effort needed to address the ongoing challenges of HIV and AIDS.

Alifa Sagem, the Nursing Officer in-charge of the HIV/STI Clinic at MPHA, said HIV and AIDS remain present in communities but can be controlled through increased awareness and testing.

“HIV and AIDS are here to stay, but we can prevent it from spreading if we get tested,” Sagem said.

She also stressed that treatment is free and encouraged the public to know their status.

Alice Bro, Data Registry Clerk at the HIV/STI Clinic, raised concern about the rising number of HIV cases in Madang, revealing that the province is now ranked fifth in the country for HIV prevalence.

“Looking at the statistics, it’s a red flag, it’s alarming for Madang,” Bro said.

She highlighted that testing coverage is still very low due to geographical challenges and the high number of people living in remote areas.

Bro, who noted that only about 2% of Madang’s total population has been tested, urged leaders, families, and communities to support testing efforts.

Both health officers emphasized that increased awareness, testing, and community involvement are crucial to preventing further spread of HIV in the province.