First PNG positive people conference

The first national conference for people living with HIV in Papua New Guinea (PNG [1]Papua New Guinea) happened late last year. Organised by Igat Hope [2]Organisation representing people living with HIV/AIDS in Papua New Guinea. ('Igat Hope' means 'There is hope' in Tok Pisin, the national language of PNG). and supported by NAPWA and AusAID [3]Australian Agency for International Development. Australian Government agency responsible for managing the Australian Government's official overseas aid program. , the three-day event saw positive people from each of the country’s twenty provinces come together for the first time.

The conference enabled participants to gain new skills and information, and Igat Hope, the national positive organisation, to develop a more inclusive direction.

Recent reports indicate there are over 26,000 people living with HIV in PNG and rapidly rising AIDS statistics each year. Fewer than 5000 people are currently receiving treatment and most of them reside in and around Port Moresby. Only 18 percent of Papua New Guineans live in urban centres.

Response from those attending indicates a thirst for up-to-date information about a range of issues, including HIV treatments, care, advocacy and grant applications.