A recent report published by UNAIDS on the 17th of April has shared light on the rate in which HIV is increasing in Papua New Guinea (PNG).

The report states that there is a staggering rise in HIV infections in PNG, which has doubled since 2020. This coupled with the strain on the Health System and challenges linked to declining funding, saw the government declaring a national HIV crisis in June of 2025.

UNAIDS identified that women and children are being affected by this crisis. An estimated 2, 700 infants were infected with HIV, around seven per day, while women account for approximately 60 percent of adults living with HIV in the country. The report revealed that around one quarter of pregnant women living with HIV receive Antiretroviral (Anti-Retro-Viral) therapy to stay healthy and prevent transmission to their child.

Health Minister Elias Kapavore has described the situation as “deeply concerning” and pledged to mobilize urgent resources to protect “the next generation of Papua New Guineans.”

Furthermore, the report stated that the National Government approved and allocated an emergency funding of US$13.5million (K50million) for HIV, tuberculosis and malaria. This funding will support expanded prevention, increased access to testing and treatment, and strengthened services for pregnant women, children, adolescents and key populations.

Meanwhile, attempts by PNG HAUSBUNG to speak to the National Aids Council Secretariat and National Department of Health Secretary for further comments on the UNAIDS report, were unsuccessful.