Papua New Guinea is experiencing a rapidly escalating HIV epidemic with an annual increase in infections of between 15 and 30 percent.  HIV is most prevalent in young people, with infection rates the highest in those aged 15 to 34.  Of this group, young females aged 20-24 have the highest number of reported cases. In addition, Papua New Guinea has the highest rates of sexually transmitted infections in the East-Asia and Pacific region.

Young people are particularly at risk due to poor access to prevention and treatment services, and low levels of education. Papua New Guinea has a young population, with a median age of 21 years, yet just 57 percent of the population are able to read and write. Eight-eight percent of people in Papua New Guinea live in rural areas, where access to basic facilities such as health services is more difficult.  In addition, Papua New Guinea is made up of thousands of separate communities many of which have their own language, customs and traditions, with has resulted in some tribal conflict.

Papua New Guinea is rich with natural resources including minerals, oil, gas and timber. More than 75% of the population relies on agriculture as a livelihood.

Our programs in the country include: