A powerful new partnership was formed in Port Moresby on 28 May when the Key Populations Advocacy Consortium (KPAC PNG) hosted its first-ever Disability Inclusion and Networking Forum. The event brought together community-led HIV organisations, disability groups, government agencies, and development partners to explore how they can work better together to improve health, inclusion, and rights for all.
Held at the Lamana Hotel, the forum was the first time many of these groups had come together in one room—sharing experiences, building trust, and identifying practical ways to collaborate.
Participants included KPAC’s national member organisations – Friends Frangipani, Kapul Champions, HETURA Network Inc, TB Advocacy Inc, WABHA Inc, and Youth Lead PNG, as well as the PNG National Assembly for Disabled People, Callan Connect, PNG
Interpreters Association, the Women with Disability Network, and others. Also present were staff from the National Orthotics & Prosthetics Service (NOPS) and the physiotherapy departments of Port Moresby General Hospital (POMGH) and Gerahu Hospital, who contributed clinical perspectives to the conversation. Government representatives from the Department for Community Development & Religion and the National AIDS Council Secretariat also attended, alongside development partners from Health Equity Matters and UNAIDS.
Chairlady Cathy Ketepa, who is also a woman with a disability, opened the forum with a strong message:
“Today, for the first time, we are creating a space where key population and disability organisations can listen to each other and work together for a more inclusive response.”
The forum included presentations and discussions about shared challenges—like stigma, service access, and being left out of decisions that affect their lives. It also sparked new ideas for partnership, such as joint advocacy, peer education, and inclusive communications.
Mr Valentine Tangoh from the National AIDS Council Secretariat welcomed KPAC’s leadership:
“KPAC’s approach shows that disability inclusion is not just a concept—it must be made real through action. Long-term change depends on communities being supported to lead.”
Ms Ipul Powesu, a respected disability advocate, added:
“This forum builds on the foundation laid by Cathy Ketepa and Brenda Lombange. Their leadership is moving our disability movement forward in PNG.”
Lesley Bola, Executive Director of KPAC PNG, closed the session with a call for continued partnership:
“We are seeing 18 new HIV infections every day in PNG. The solutions must come from the communities most affected—and that includes people with disabilities.”
The forum was delivered throug 
h the Indo-Pacific HIV Partnership, which is funded by the Australian Government and delivered by Health Equity Matters in collaboration with UNAIDS.
As one participant said:
“This was the first time many of us had come together like this—and it won’t be the last.”
