In July 2025, Key Populations Advocacy Consortium PNG commenced a new community-led HIV and sexual and reproductive health outreach program in Port Moresby, marking an important step forward for the community response in the National Capital District.
KPAC is pleased to be working in partnership with Catholic Church Health Services to deliver this program, which is funded by the Australian Government through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. At a time of significant funding disruption across the health and community sector, this support is both timely and deeply appreciated.
The new outreach program focuses on peer-led, community-based engagement outside traditional health facilities, supporting people who face barriers to accessing HIV prevention, testing, and care. Through this partnership, KPAC is rapidly recruiting and mobilising a new peer outreach workforce of more than 50 community members, representing key and affected populations. These peer workers will play a central role in delivering outreach, building trust, promoting HIV testing and prevention, and supporting referral pathways into existing health services.
The commencement of this program comes in a year of heightened urgency. In July 2025, the Papua New Guinea Government formally declared HIV a national crisis, recognising rising infections and the need for stronger, more inclusive responses. This program directly responds to that call, reinforcing the importance of community-led approaches as a core pillar of the national HIV response.
KPAC recognises the leadership of Catholic Church Health Services in supporting community engagement and acknowledges DFAT’s continued investment in community-based solutions through trusted national partners. This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to ensuring that services reach those most affected, in ways that are safe, dignified, and responsive to community realities.
“This partnership recognises what communities have long known,” said Lesley Bola, Executive Director of KPAC PNG. “To respond effectively to HIV, we must meet people where they are and trust communities to lead. We are grateful for DFAT’s support through Catholic Church Health Services at a time when community organisations are under real pressure, and when community-led responses are more important than ever.”
As the program begins, KPAC looks forward to working closely with Catholic Church Health Services and stakeholders to ensure strong coordination, quality implementation, and meaningful impact. In a challenging year for the HIV response, this initiative represents a positive and practical step toward strengthening access, equity, and community leadership in Port Moresby.
