AUSTRALIA is supporting Papua New Guinea to strengthen HIV prevention, early diagnosis and treatment for mothers, infants and young children.
Health workers from across PNG participated in the National Prevention of Parent-to-Child Transmission and Early Infant Diagnosis Integrated Training Program which was supported by the PNG-Australia Partnership.
For Sr Milliana Wangusawo, an STI and HIV Coordinator at the Madang Provincial Health Authority, who attended the training, this was an important opportunity to improve the quality of care provided to women and children in her province.
“This training equips frontline health workers with the precise clinical skills they need to deliver expert care and save lives,” Sr Milliana said.
“Ending parent-to-child transmission is within our reach if we can diagnose, prevent and treat early.”
Sr Milliana works at the frontline of PNG’s HIV response, supporting efforts to translate national policies and clinical guidance into better services for families and communities.
The knowledge and practical skills she received through the training will help her connect with mothers and infants with earlier testing, treatment and follow-up.
It strengthens her ability to provide HIV treatment to pregnant women, diagnose HIV in infants, manage essential supplies and data, and deliver safe, stigma-free care.
With HIV in PNG disproportionately affecting women and children, this continuity of care is critical, particularly in provincial and community settings.
The training brought Sr Milliana and other health workers together with representatives from PNG’s National Department of Health, provincial health authorities, Catholic Church Health Services and the Australian High Commission.
It also strengthened collaboration among government, faith-based health providers and development partners. Australia remains committed to working in partnership with PNG to strengthen its health system, build a capable and confident health workforce, and expand access to quality HIV services, particularly in rural and remote communities.