In the heart of the Pacific, Papua New Guinea (PNG) is facing a devastating HIV epidemic, a crisis that has been exacerbated by deep-rooted stigma and a significant reduction in US foreign aid. This story is a powerful reminder of the impact of such crises on individuals and communities, and the urgent need for action and support.
A Personal Story of Courage and Hope
Nancy Karipa's journey began in 1999 when she tested positive for HIV after battling illness. Her bravery in sharing her story is rare in PNG, where the stigma surrounding HIV is intense. Despite the fear of rejection, Karipa chose to take action, ensuring both she and her newborn received the necessary treatment. Her child remains healthy, a testament to the power of early intervention.
A Growing Epidemic
PNG's HIV epidemic is among the fastest-growing in the Asia-Pacific region, according to UNAids, the UN agency dedicated to combating HIV/AIDS globally. New infections have doubled since 2010, and alarmingly, only an estimated 59% of those living with the virus are aware of their HIV-positive status. The rise in infections among women and children is particularly concerning, with UNAids highlighting the high rate of mother-to-child transmission in PNG, one of the highest globally.
But here's where it gets controversial... The suspension of US foreign aid by the Trump administration in 2025 has had a devastating impact on hundreds of clinics in PNG, leaving them without the necessary resources to combat the epidemic. This aid freeze has not only affected drug supplies but also crucial support services and community outreach programs.
The Impact of Funding Cuts
The crisis in PNG is further compounded by inadequate testing and a lack of awareness. In 2024, an estimated 11,000 new cases were recorded, with nearly half of all new infections occurring among children and individuals under 25. Approximately 2,700 infants were infected with HIV in PNG that year, primarily due to mothers being unaware of their HIV status and not receiving the essential antiretroviral therapy (ART) that could have prevented transmission to their children.
And this is the part most people miss... The first step to addressing this epidemic is knowing one's status, as Manoela Manova, UNAids country director for PNG, emphasizes. With many people unaware of their HIV status, the challenge of putting them on treatment becomes even more daunting.
In June, the PNG government declared HIV a national crisis and implemented an emergency response plan, which included increased testing, treatment, and support. However, the government's responsibility for drug supplies is just one aspect of the issue. Other support services and community outreach have heavily relied on US aid, which was cut by the Trump administration, leaving many clinics and programs without the necessary funding.
Wep Kanawi, chair of the national AIDS council, stresses the need for the government to take more action. The council's work in preventing HIV transmission and providing treatment across the country is crucial, but it is hampered by the lack of direct funding from USAID for HIV medicines. PNG does seek funding from global not-for-profit organizations that receive contributions from USAID, but this support is not enough to sustain all the necessary HIV programs.
More than 200 clinics, run by the government or churches, have lost funding due to the US suspension of foreign aid. These clinics provide essential HIV services, and their closure or reduced operations have a significant impact on communities. Kaugere Clinic in Port Moresby, for example, has been affected by the funding freeze, with social worker Rose Marai highlighting the challenges faced by the clinic and the communities it serves.
The US embassy in PNG has not responded to questions about USAID or US funding, but in a statement, it emphasized the US's commitment to its partnership with PNG, highlighting security cooperation, disaster preparedness, and health programs.
However, UNAids has described this year's funding crisis as "historic" due to cuts in the US foreign aid budget and reductions from other donor countries. A December report from UNAids highlighted the profound and lasting effects of abrupt funding reductions on the health of millions, although it noted that funding for some HIV programs has restarted.
PNG has so far been shielded from the full impact of these funding cuts due to Australia's intervention with additional funding. The Australian government's commitment to increasing its annual HIV development funding to almost A$10m this financial year is a welcome development.
Despite this support, concerns remain in PNG about the fragility of the health sector and its heavy reliance on foreign aid, especially with the surge in infections. Foreign minister Justin Tkatchenko emphasizes the need for a "fallback position," stating that the long-term strategy must be self-reliance, as they cannot continually depend on donor partners for help.
This story highlights the complex interplay of stigma, funding cuts, and the urgent need for action in addressing the HIV epidemic in PNG. It serves as a call to action for governments, organizations, and individuals to come together and support those affected by this devastating crisis.
