Papua New Guinea has taken a bold step forward in the fight against HIV with the official roll-out of HIV self-screening kits across four provinces: National Capital District, Morobe, Eastern Highlands, and Western Highlands.
Dr. Nano Gideon, HIV/STI Program Manager, emphasized that self-testing is simple, safe, and private — using a buccal swab with results in just 20 minutes. This innovation removes barriers like blood draws and stigma, making testing more accessible. “You cannot treat unless you test,” he said, highlighting the importance of reaching people who have been left behind by traditional facility-based services.
Ms. Shalini Bahuguna, UN Resident Coordinator, reminded us that only 60% of people living with HIV in PNG know their status. The remaining 40% face challenges such as stigma, lack of privacy, and limited access. She described the launch as a turning point: “Testing is being expanded with equity, dignity, and respect for human rights.” With 52,000 kits now available, she stressed that self-screening empowers individuals to test confidentially and safely, even at home.
Mr. Pascoe Kase, Secretary for Health, called the program a milestone in PNG’s HIV response. He noted that self-screening is not just about distributing kits — it’s about empowering people to know their status, access services earlier, and take control of their health. He urged strong referral pathways to ensure that anyone with a reactive result is linked to confirmatory testing and immediate treatment, while those with non-reactive results are connected to prevention services like counselling, condoms, and PrEP.
Together, these voices affirm that HIV self-screening is more than a medical tool — it is a commitment to equity, dignity, and community empowerment. With the support of partners including DFAT, UNAIDS, UNFPA, FHI360, KPAC, and civil society organizations, Papua New Guinea is expanding access to testing and care, reducing stigma, and ensuring no one is left behind.
Let us use this moment to renew our shared commitment: to expand access, reduce stigma, and ensure that every girl, every man, and every woman in Papua New Guinea has the opportunity to know their HIV status, access care, and receive the support they deserve.
