Situated on the eastern half of the island of New Guinea, Papua New Guinea (PNG) is the largest developing country in the Pacific Region. It is also one of the most diverse countries in the world, incorporating more than 800 languages, a myriad of cultures, and from the central highlands to the coastal and island provinces, a mosaic of distinct geographical environments. Exacerbated by relatively undeveloped road networks and infrastructure, this diversity presents major challenges to the organisation of state functions and the delivery of public goods. Much of the country remains isolated and inaccessible and communication is limited. PNG's population is young and growing rapidly; approximately half of PNG's total population is under 19 years old. The country ranks the lowest in the Pacific on UNDP's Human Development Index and in the lowest third of all nations (145th of 177) in the world for overall human development.

PNG is also in the grips of a HIV epidemic. PNG has the highest rates of HIV infection in the Pacific, and accounts for 70% of the sub-region's HIV cases. According to UNAIDS, HIV cases have been increasing at a rate of up to 30% annually, with at least 2,000 new infections being reported each year. Reported HIV cases show that girls between the ages of 15-19 have four times the rate of infection compared with boys of the same age group, and from 15-29 years, women are two to three times more likely to be affected than men.

Save the Children in Papua New Guinea has been working with governments and local partners for over 35 years to deliver basic health services, to tackle the growing HIV epidemic and provide safe environments for vulnerable children.