Make condoms accessible

The National AIDS Council Secretariat wants condoms to be more readily available in communities as part of efforts to prevent HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.

Acting Director Michelle Nilkare says condoms are currently distributed through health facilities with supplies provided to clinics on a quarterly basis, but she says the challenge is getting them beyond health facilities and into communities.

“We would want to see condoms out there in the community accessible by anyone.

“Sex is just happening every time, you can't determine, or you can't stop people from having sex, but you just have to make preventative measures available at the places where they can easily reach them.” She said.

The Secretariat is considering a social marketing approach that could make condoms available through community outlets, such as trade stores, at a low cost.

The Secretariat says condom use is one of several factors in HIV prevention. It also identifies alcohol and drug abuse, gender-based violence, poverty, and a lack of accurate information as factors that can contribute to risky behavior and HIV transmission.

Mass media campaigns are also being used to promote condom use and prevention of mother-to-child transmission.

“We have been doing our campaign on TV Wan, since 2025 and 2026, talking about condom and advocating on condom.” She said.

The National AIDS Council Secretariat says improving access to condoms, testing and accurate HIV information will be an important part of strengthening prevention efforts across Papua New Guinea.