Papua New Guinea is experiencing a rapidly escalating HIV epidemic with an annual increase in infections of between 15 and 30 percent.  Over 9,000 children having already been orphaned by AIDS, and around 11,000 children being HIV positive. Some estimates say 800,000 children (a third of the child population) are affected by HIV and AIDS. HIV and AIDS in Papua New Guinea is fueled by early debut of sexual activity, low and inconsistent condom use, high levels of sexually transmitted diseases, poverty, gender inequality and violence, and economic enclaves where informal sex trade is growing.

HIV is most prevalent in young people, with infection rates the highest in those aged 15 to 34.  Of this group, young females aged 20-24 have the highest number of reported cases. Papua New Guinea accounts for 99% of the reported new HIV infections in the Pacific region, and the epidemic has spread to every single province of the country. Young people are particularly at risk due to poor access to prevention and treatment services, and low levels of education. Save the Children are involved in four separate HIV and AIDS related projects in Papua New Guinea.

Poro Sapot (Peer Support)

The Poro Sapot Project tackles the HIV epidemic in Papua New Guinea through work with vulnerable groups.  This project works specifically with female sex workers and men who have sex with men.  This intervention improves awareness of HIV and STIs, promotes and supports safe sex practices, and improves access to testing and treatment.  This is the only project in Papua New Guinea that is actively engaged with the police to inform and educate them about the issues surrounding HIV.

Eastern Highlands STI Clinical Improvement Project

The Eastern Highlands STI Clinical Improvement Project focuses specifically on reducing STI prevalence among the target populations of young people, female sex workers and men who have sex with men.  This project addresses the health needs of these individuals and also works to reduce transmission rates among the general population.  Participation in this project is designed to complement our other projects focused on HIV prevention by improving the level of access to clinical testing and treatment services.

Youth Outreach

The Youth Outreach Project provides peer-to-peer education and a youth friendly centre related to HIV and AIDS prevention and support.  This project works specifically with out-of-school and jobless youths aged between 15 and 25 years old.  The focus areas for this project include education and prevention, epidemiology, surveillance and social and behavioural change research. 

Eric Ekki, a peer outreach volunteer says, "I decided to volunteer because I saw a lot of my peers get involved in drugs, alcohol and prostitution. I wanted to help them. The main reason [for those problems] is lack of discipline from parents."

I fit in easily with young people around here. I can sit around and crack jokes. I call them over and offer food or betelnut or coffee. I share things with them. And then I talk to them about HIV/AIDS."

Mr Guman, a community leader thinks the volunteer work his son is doing is very good, "He is somehow indirectly helping the ward Councillor and his committees in reducing the law and order problems among the youth in our community".

Tingim Laip

The Tingim Laip Project uses community mobilisation to promote prevention and treatment of STIs and HIV in locations where risk factors are highly prevalent.  The project also provides support to the Eastern Highlands Provincial AIDS Committee, improves training, and prepares education and communication development materials.