By ESWIN PLESIO
THE National Department of Health (NDoH) yesterday launched the first batch of 26,000 Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) self-screening kits as part of a nationwide rollout of 52,000 kits aimed at expanding access to HIV testing and strengthening prevention, treatment and care services across the country.
The first batch of 26,000 kits will be distributed to four priority provinces-the National Capital District, Morobe, Eastern Highlands and Western Highlands. The distribution aims to increase access to HIV testing services in areas with high demand and support early detection and treatment efforts.
Delivering the keynote address, Secretary for Health Pascoe Kase said that while progress had been made in the fight against HIV, significant challenges remained.
“Despite significant progress, HIV remains a major public health challenge in Papua New Guinea. Too many people still do not know their HIV status, and this continues to be one of the greatest barriers to accessing treatment, care and prevention services,” Mr Kase said.
He said HIV self-screening would help expand access to testing services by providing people with a convenient, private and effective way to know their status.
Mr Kase reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to strengthening HIV prevention, testing and treatment services and officially launched the first batch of 26,000 HIV self-screening kits, which form part of a total consignment of 52,000 kits to be rolled out nationwide.
He called on Papua New Guineans to take advantage of HIV testing and prevention services, stressing that early diagnosis remains one of the most effective ways to reduce the spread of HIV and improve health outcomes.
The event also featured a demonstration of the HIV self-screening process, showcasing how the kits can be used safely and easily.
The HIV self-screening scale-up is expected to improve access to testing services across the country and support Papua New Guinea’s efforts to reduce new HIV infections and achieve better health outcomes for its people.