UN calls for action to address HIV

UNAIDS Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific, Eamonn Murphy is calling for quick actions to address the HIV epidemic in the country.
While on a visit yesterday to the country to help raise awareness, mobilise action, and advocate for urgent measures to address the growing HIV crisis in the country, Murphy said the situation was alarming and needed quick intervention.
“PNG faces an alarming rate of HIV infections, with an estimated 18 new infections per day, that’s approximately 6,500 in 2022,” he said.
“This represents a 131 increase since 2010.
“Unfortunately, around 800 new HIV infections occur annually among infants born to HIV positive mothers which is equivalent to two infections per day in 2022.”
He explained that most infections were sexually transmitted.
“Most new infections result from sexual transmission due to multiple unprotected sexual encounters,” he said.
“Many individuals remain unaware of their HIV status, and some who are HIV positive have discontinued their antiretroviral treatment.”
He added that the current number of people living with HIV was at 72,000 in 2022.
“Translating one per cent HIV prevalence nationally among adults aged 15 to 49,” he said.
“This level is the highest in the past 12 years.
“All 22 provinces report HIV infections with most showing upwards trend.”
He emphasised the need to scale up HIV testing, especially among key population who were at high risk.
“Knowing one’s HIV status is crucial for early intervention and prevention,” he said.
He urged the Government and partners to invest more resources and adopt innovative approaches to achieve the 95-95-95 targets by 2030.
“Ensuring that 95 per cent of PLHIV know their status, receive antiretroviral therapy, and achieve viral suppression,” he said.
“Beyond medical interventions, addressing social and structural drivers such as poverty, gender inequality, violence, and human rights violations is essential to curbing the epidemic.”
He emphasised that there should be no discrimination and zero tolerance for stigma, harassment or violence against the key population and people living with HIV.
“Civil society and community-based organisations play a vital role in advocating for rights and providing support,” he said.
He affirmed that UNAIDS and the UN system would stand in solidarity with PNG to work together to address the AIDS epidemic.
“Our shared commitment remains steadfast, to eliminate AIDS as a public health threat by 2030,” he said.