Australia boosts HIV support to PNG as new infections double

HORIZON funding will support reduced HIV infections for mothers and newborns. (Supplied: AHC)

Australia is increasing its support to Papua New Guinea’s HIV response following a rise in new infections, which have doubled since 2010.

Papua New Guinea continues to face a challenging HIV situation, with impacts being felt across families and communities nationwide.

In response, Australia has significantly increased its HIV development assistance to PNG since early 2025. The expanded support includes renovations to major HIV clinics in Port Moresby to allow safer and more dignified care, youth-led education and outreach programs, and stronger partnerships with government, churches, the private sector and international agencies.

A key part of the increased support is a new initiative called HIV Outcomes, Resilience, Integration, Zero New Infections [HORIZON], which will target provinces with high HIV burden.

The program, to be implemented by UNICEF in partnership with local and international organisations, will support training for 120 health workers across six provinces. It will also expand access to HIV testing, prevention and treatment services.

The initiative will also mobilise communities through Village Health Assistants and strengthen efforts to protect mothers and infants, with a focus on reducing new infections.

Over the next two years, HORIZON aims to reach up to 3.3 million people, including more than 105,000 mothers and newborns.

Australia says the expanded support is aimed at strengthening PNG’s health systems, supporting local leadership and building a sustainable long-term response to HIV.