The U.S. Secretary of State Anthony J Blinken visited the Lawes Road Clinic on Monday while in Port Moresby for the US- PIF Meeting, to see how the U.S.-funded healthcare clinic is helping to combat HIV/AIDS.
Through the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), the United States has provided HIV support in Papua New Guinea (PNG) for over 17 years.
The Secretary met with Dr. Poruan Temu, Chief of Party and Country representative of FHI 360, and Priscila Sine Mal, Country Director of HOPE Worldwide as well as clinicians and healthcare workers.
Secretary Blinken was informned on how the clinic works with the PNG government and civil society to provide critical healthcare services to combat the increasing HIV epidemic and help those living with HIV.
U.S. funding and support has led to 100 percent of people living with HIV in the National Capital District (NCD) of Port Moresby being tested, 100 percent of clients testing positive starting antiretroviral therapy and 92% of clients on therapy being virally suppressed, which is the best thing people with HIV can do to stay healthy.
Thanks to the PEPFAR program here in PNG and around the world, well more than 20 million lives have been saved globally. The U.S. is committed to its partnership with the government and people of Papua New Guinea.
The US Secretary of State was in Port Moresby for the US- PIF Summit, which coincided with the Forum for India- Pacific Islands Cooperation Summit (FIPIC) held on Monday 22nd May.