PNG Health Authority Urges HIV Testing as NCD Records Over 45,000 Tests in 2025

 Chief Executive Officer of the National Capital District Provincial Health Authority, Dr Robin Oge, has called on residents in PNG’s capital to take up HIV testing services to know their status and help curb the spread of the virus.

Speaking following the latest program review, Dr Oge said testing remained a critical step in protecting individuals, families and the wider community in the National Capital District.

He revealed that NCDPHA clinics tested more than 45,000 people in 2025, including pregnant mothers accessing maternal health services across PNG’s capital city health facilities.

 PNG Health Authority Urges HIV Testing as NCD Records Over 45,000 Tests in 2025

“Knowing your HIV status is the first step to protecting your health and your loved ones,” Dr Oge said.

According to figures presented during the review, a total of 45,160 individuals were tested last year, with 1,890 new HIV infections identified within the National Capital District.

Health authorities confirmed that all newly diagnosed patients were promptly enrolled on Antiretroviral Therapy (ART), while 9,708 patients are currently continuing treatment and 4,388 underwent viral load testing.

Dr Oge noted that 94 per cent of those tested for viral load achieved viral suppression, meaning they are less likely to transmit the virus and can live healthy and productive lives through early treatment.

The statistics were presented during a Quarterly Program Review Meeting organised by NCDPHA together with partners supporting the NCD HIV program and frontline clinicians, where the importance of early detection and treatment was reinforced.