The National STI & HIV five (5) year strategy 2024-2028 was officially launched on Friday 30th August in Port Moresby at the Holiday Inn Hotel. With the launch of the strategy, The National Aids Council Secretariat and the National Health Department’s (NDoH) vision of the strategy is to end the epidemic of STI’s and HIV in the country by 2030. NDoH Deputy Secretary for Public Health Mr. Ken Wai said this is the number four strategy and with 18 new infections per day, they need to be smart in implementing the strategy to put an end to the transmission of STI’s & HIV. “Since 2010, infections have increased by 101%. It is estimated that about 6, 700 new infections occurred in 2023, or about 18 new infections per day and about 72 thousand people living with HIV in 2023," said Dr. Wai. “The majority of the people infected are young-between 15-49 years of age. This is our productive age group. These are people who are capable of contributing in various sectors towards the development of PNG and the future of our nation.” With support of over K1billion invested from the government and donor partners World Vision, UNAIDS, Australian Government, USAIDS and WHO, an annual budget of more than K2million will be used to implement the three (3) pillars in all 300 centres in all provinces and 160 Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) sites in the country. Pillar 1 Comprehensive STI & HIV Prevention Focus on community awareness, peer outreach, health promotions, behaviour changes communications, distribution of prevention and accompanied pathways to clinical services. Pillar 2 Early Diagnosis, Effective treatment & Tailored Care Prioritizes testing, treatment and care within clinical service to reach diverse settings and populations, in close partnership with community and peer-led programs. Pillar 3 Strong Coordination, Robust Systems & Supportive Environment System strengthening and supportive environment tailored towards provincial response, national and provincial health systems strengthening. Wai said, through partners with various organisations, they will amplify their efforts to promote safe sex practices including condom distribution, sexual health education in schools, and community outreach programs. “Our collective actions will ensure that prevention becomes a shared responsibility.”