Addressing the HIV Epidemic in PNG You are here:HomeNewsroomNews Addressing the HIV Epidemic in PNG 22 Aug 2022 It’s estimated that 59,000* adults and children are currently living with HIV in Papua New Guinea, and while mortality rates are slowly decreasing, the HIV epidemic continues to be a significant issue for the country – requiring greater access to expanded health and social services to address HIV in PNG. With the high prevalence of HIV drug resistance contributing to the public health threat, a collaborative research project involving the Kirby Institute, St Vincent's Centre for Applied Medical Research (AMR ) and the Institute of Medical Research in Papua New Guinea have commenced a project known as ACT UP – PNG (ACcelerating The UPtake of initiatives to address HIV drug resistance surveillance in Papua New Guinea). HIV drug resistance is caused by changes in the genetic structure of the virus, resulting in a decrease in the effectiveness of medicines to block virus replication. Without the clinical expertise and equipment to effectively monitor a patients’ viral load and pivot treatment options accordingly, medications can become ineffective in treating the virus, resulting in poorer patient outcomes. “We’ve undertaken to support the expansion of HIV Drug Resistance surveillance, as well as the necessary linking of capacity in laboratory and public health workforce development to detect and undertake surveillance of resistance”, said A/Prof Philip Cunningham. Key to achieving this is the upskilling of local PNG health care workers and as such, AMR are hosting scientists from PNG to undertake training in DNA sequencing technology, to characterise HIV drug resistance using plasma and dried blood spot samples. Previously not used in PNG, it is hoped that introducing dry blood spot testing will be a game-changer for early detection. The geographic terrain, particularly in remote areas of PNG creates logistical difficulty in the collection of traditional testing, with liquid blood samples often deemed unsuitable to test by the time they reach their destination. Unlike liquid blood samples, dry blood spots are stable at room temperature for up to three months and are easily shipped. Additionally they are significantly less invasive for babies and children, particularly given the large volume of blood required for traditional testing. “We will also provide support for preventative measures such as post-exposure prophylaxis, pre-exposure prophylaxis, as well as earlier diagnosis. It’s a vital part of ending the HIV epidemic in PNG”, added A/Prof Cunningham. ACT UP - PNG is funded through a competitive grant from the Indo Pacific Centre for Health Security, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), Commonwealth of Australia. *Source: UNAIDS Visiting Scientists, Raffaella and Rebecca from PNG.