The Western Highlands Provincial Health Authority (WHPHA) joined the nation and the global community on 01st December 2025 to commemorate World AIDS Day. 

To mark the occasion, the PHA organized a float through town aimed at raising public awareness about the dangers of high-risk sexual behaviours, which can lead to sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV.

This year’s theme, “Rise above the Challenges to End HIV/AIDS,” highlights the urgent need to confront discrimination, gender-based violence, and risky behaviours that continue to fuel the spread of the virus.

Despite years of awareness campaigns, PNG’s HIV prevalence rate continues to rise. Health officials warned that the public must take responsibility by remaining faithful to one partner and avoiding risky practices like unprotected sex with non-regular partners, sharing needles during tattooing, and pregnant mothers neglecting antenatal care or failing to deliver in health facilities, which increases the risk of mother-to-child transmission.

According to reports, it is estimated that 120,000 people are living with HIV/AIDS nationwide. However, only 69,510 individuals know their status. Of those, 54,685 are on antiretroviral treatment (ART), but just 10,258 patients are consistently adhering to treatment and have successfully suppressed their viral load.

Sr Clement, officer in charge of the Tininga Clinic at Mt Hagen Provincial Hospital, has raised concerns over rising HIV and STI cases, revealing that most new HIV infections are among young sexually active individuals, divorced persons, and those in polygamous relationships.

She said that every month, the Tininga clinic registers 20 to 35 new HIV cases and 400 plus STI cases.

Sr Clement stressed the importance of strict adherence to anti-retroviral treatment (ART), warning that those with HIV/AIDS must be faithful in taking their medications because failure to do so can lead to drug resistance, allowing the virus to overpower the body’s defences and ultimately cause death.

WHPHA health officials also urged the residents to get tested early, emphasizing that timely detection and treatment are vital to controlling the spread.

Meanwhile, ART services are available at 12 facilities across Western Highlands, including Mt Hagen Provincial Hospital (Tininga & TB Clinics), Rabiamul Clinic, Newtown Anglicare Clinic, Mt Hagen Urban Antenatal Clinic, Hillary Clinic, Togoba, Tambul, Bukapena, Pabrabuk, Kotna, and Tinsley Health Centres.