On Friday, 15 August 2025, Key Populations Advocacy Consortium PNG proudly launched the KPAC Sunset Community Health Hub, marking a significant milestone in the delivery of community-led HIV services in Papua New Guinea. The launch event was attended by more than 100 partners, champions, and community members, reflecting strong national support for inclusive and accessible health responses.
The ceremony marked the opening of a new chapter in community-led service access and HIV prevention in the National Capital District. The Sunset Community Health Hub is a vibrant, non-clinical venue located outside traditional health facilities, designed to bring HIV testing, treatment, and prevention services directly into the heart of communities. The hub reflects KPAC’s commitment to dignity, accessibility, and empowerment for key and vulnerable populations.
Unlike facility-based services, the Sunset Community Health Hub provides a safe, welcoming environment where people can access services without fear of stigma or discrimination. The space has been designed to support peer-led outreach, education, and referrals, ensuring that services are responsive to real community needs.
The launch of the hub enables several important service advances. KPAC can now initiate PrEP, or Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis, directly at the Sunset Community Health Hub, expanding access to HIV prevention for those most at risk. Outreach workers are also trained and equipped to support oral HIV self-testing and to promote PrEP confidently and respectfully within the community.
The launch was attended by senior representatives and champions from the National Department of Health, the National AIDS Council Secretariat, Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and United Nations agencies, including UNAIDS. Their presence reaffirmed the importance of community-led health initiatives and the power of strong partnerships in strengthening the national HIV response.
KPAC also acknowledged the critical role of implementing and technical partners, including PATH, Catholic Church Health Services, Health Equity Matters, and the National Capital District Provincial Health Authority, alongside KPAC’s member organisations and community networks.
The launch of the Sunset Community Health Hub represents a promise to continue building safe spaces, strengthening outreach, and expanding access to HIV prevention, testing, and treatment. It is a commitment to ensuring that no one is left behind in the fight against HIV.
KPAC PNG extends its sincere thanks to all partners, supporters, families, and community members who made this vision possible. Together, the Sunset Community Health Hub stands as a powerful example of what community-led leadership can achieve.
