UNICEF Urges Urgent Action as PNG Launches Triple Elimination Strategy

Port Moresby, 1 December 2025

UNICEF today called for urgent and coordinated action to accelerate progress and end mother-to-child transmission of preventable infections, following the Government’s launch of its new Triple Elimination Strategy for HIV, syphilis and Hepatitas B, on World AIDS Day.

Papua New Guinea marked World AIDS Day with a bold commitment to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of these infections by 2030.

"This is a bold and visionary commitment that reflects strong leadership and a shared responsibility for the health of PNG’s families. Ending mother-to-child transmission is a shared responsibility. It will take all of us—government, partners, civil society, faith-based organizations, and the private sector—to ensure that no child is born with HIV, syphilis, or hepatitis B," Dr Mendonca emphasized.

Despite progress made over the years, HIV remains a public health emergency with a severe burden on the country’s health systems, communities and families. The national HIV prevalence stands at 1.5 percent, with 30 new infections every day, including seven babies born every day with HIV. An estimated 7,200 pregnant women are currently living with HIV and PNG’s vertical transmission rate remains alarmingly high at 36 percent.

UNICEF is urging all government agencies, development partners, and key stakeholders to unite behind the national commitment and accelerate progress toward eliminating these infections and ensuring that no child is born with HIV, Syphilis, or Hepatitis B.

To support national efforts, UNICEF is expanding access to HIV and syphilis testing during antenatal care, ensuring lifelong treatment for all pregnant and breastfeeding women living with HIV, strengthening early infant diagnosis, and improving supply chains especially in remote areas.

UNICEF is also training frontline health workers on updated prevention protocols and mobilizing communities through Village Health Assistants and Mentor Mothers to boost antenatal care attendance, increase HIV testing, and reduce stigma.