Latest news with #RNZPacificPNG
Scoop
27-06-2025
- Health
- Scoop
Papua New Guinea declares national HIV crisis as infections surge
Article – RNZ The country's health minister says the rise in new HIV infections is 'deeply concerning', with cases doubling since 2010 and an estimated 30 people contracting the virus daily in 2024. Scott Waide, RNZ Pacific PNG correspondent Papua New Guinea is grappling with a severe resurgence of HIV, prompting the government to declare a National HIV Crisis. New data reveals a doubling of new infections since 2010, with an estimated 30 people contracting the virus daily in 2024, totaling approximately 11,000 new cases last year alone. This alarming trend highlights a deepening crisis, particularly impacting women, children, and young people. A deeply concerning aspect of this resurgence is the high rate of mother-to-child transmission. In 2024, around 2,700 infants were newly infected with HIV, equating to about seven babies per day. The primary reason for these preventable infections is that most mothers were unaware of their HIV status and, consequently, did not receive the crucial antiretroviral therapy (ART) that could have prevented transmission to their babies during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Read more: This significant gap in maternal health services highlights the urgent need to boost antenatal care uptake and broaden HIV testing, counselling, and treatment services for all pregnant women across the nation. 'The rise in new HIV infections in PNG is deeply concerning. And as such, I am declaring this a National HIV Crisis,' Health Minister Elias Kapavore said. Kapavore further stressed the societal roots of the epidemic and his commitment to addressing them. 'HIV is a disease of inequality. We need to support and empower those most impacted. It is time for all of us to step-up. 'I personally commit to raising this issue with my fellow ministers and parliamentarians and ensuring the urgent allocation of resources to protect our people – especially the next generation of Papua New Guineans.' Department of Health acting secretary Ken Wai echoed Kapavore's call to action, emphasising the need for expanded access to vital services. 'We must scale-up access to HIV testing and treatment, particularly for groups most at risk.' He added that these critical initiatives need to be available at health facilities nationwide and will require robust community leadership and support. The World Health Organisation PNG country representative Dr Sevil Huseynova highlighted the importance of robust health systems in the fight against HIV. 'We must strengthen our health systems to ensure universal access to HIV testing, treatment, and prevention services, especially for pregnant women and young people. 'This is a test of our collective commitment to health for all. WHO stands firmly with the Government of Papua New Guinea to scale up integrated, person-centered care that leaves no one behind.' UNAIDS PNG country director Manoela Manova strongly endorsed the statements from Kapavore and Wai, drawing attention to the pervasive issue of stigma. 'This is a shared public health crisis that demands shared responsibility. Everyone has a role to play in dismantling harmful myths, stigma, and discrimination associated with HIV,' Manova said. These attitudes undermine prevention, testing and treatment efforts, and hold us back from ending HIV as a public health threat in Papua New Guinea.' The United Nations says it will provide as much support as needed to the government to contain this crisis. The declaration of a National HIV Crisis will trigger an emergency response plan, aiming to enhance cross-sector coordination and prioritize investments in HIV services at all levels.
Scoop
27-06-2025
- Health
- Scoop
Papua New Guinea declares national HIV crisis as infections surge
Article – RNZ The country's health minister says the rise in new HIV infections is 'deeply concerning', with cases doubling since 2010 and an estimated 30 people contracting the virus daily in 2024. Scott Waide, RNZ Pacific PNG correspondent Papua New Guinea is grappling with a severe resurgence of HIV, prompting the government to declare a National HIV Crisis. New data reveals a doubling of new infections since 2010, with an estimated 30 people contracting the virus daily in 2024, totaling approximately 11,000 new cases last year alone. This alarming trend highlights a deepening crisis, particularly impacting women, children, and young people. A deeply concerning aspect of this resurgence is the high rate of mother-to-child transmission. In 2024, around 2,700 infants were newly infected with HIV, equating to about seven babies per day. The primary reason for these preventable infections is that most mothers were unaware of their HIV status and, consequently, did not receive the crucial antiretroviral therapy (ART) that could have prevented transmission to their babies during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Read more: This significant gap in maternal health services highlights the urgent need to boost antenatal care uptake and broaden HIV testing, counselling, and treatment services for all pregnant women across the nation. 'The rise in new HIV infections in PNG is deeply concerning. And as such, I am declaring this a National HIV Crisis,' Health Minister Elias Kapavore said. Kapavore further stressed the societal roots of the epidemic and his commitment to addressing them. 'HIV is a disease of inequality. We need to support and empower those most impacted. It is time for all of us to step-up. 'I personally commit to raising this issue with my fellow ministers and parliamentarians and ensuring the urgent allocation of resources to protect our people – especially the next generation of Papua New Guineans.' Department of Health acting secretary Ken Wai echoed Kapavore's call to action, emphasising the need for expanded access to vital services. 'We must scale-up access to HIV testing and treatment, particularly for groups most at risk.' He added that these critical initiatives need to be available at health facilities nationwide and will require robust community leadership and support. The World Health Organisation PNG country representative Dr Sevil Huseynova highlighted the importance of robust health systems in the fight against HIV. 'We must strengthen our health systems to ensure universal access to HIV testing, treatment, and prevention services, especially for pregnant women and young people. 'This is a test of our collective commitment to health for all. WHO stands firmly with the Government of Papua New Guinea to scale up integrated, person-centered care that leaves no one behind.' UNAIDS PNG country director Manoela Manova strongly endorsed the statements from Kapavore and Wai, drawing attention to the pervasive issue of stigma. 'This is a shared public health crisis that demands shared responsibility. Everyone has a role to play in dismantling harmful myths, stigma, and discrimination associated with HIV,' Manova said. These attitudes undermine prevention, testing and treatment efforts, and hold us back from ending HIV as a public health threat in Papua New Guinea.' The United Nations says it will provide as much support as needed to the government to contain this crisis. The declaration of a National HIV Crisis will trigger an emergency response plan, aiming to enhance cross-sector coordination and prioritize investments in HIV services at all levels.
Scoop
31-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
PNG Faces Deadline For Fixing Issues With Money Laundering And Terrorist Financing
Article – RNZ Papua New Guinea has five months remaining to fix its anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing systems or face repercussions. Scott Waide, RNZ Pacific PNG correspondent -Analysis Papua New Guinea has five months remaining to fix its anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing (AML/CTF) systems or face the severe repercussions of being placed on the Financial Action Task Force's (FATF) 'grey list'. The FATF has imposed an October 2025 deadline, and the government is scrambling to prove its commitment to global partners. Speaking in Parliament, Prime Minister James Marape said Treasury Minister, Ian Ling-Stuckey has been given the responsibility to lead a taskforce to fix PNG's issues associated with money laundering and terrorist financing. 'I summoned all agency heads to a critical meeting last week giving them clear direction, in no uncertain terms, that they work day and night to avert the possibility of us getting grey listed,' Marape said. 'This review comes around every five years. 'We have only three or four areas that are outstanding that we must dispatch forthwith.' PNG is no stranger to the FATF grey list, having been placed under increased monitoring in 2014 before successfully being removed in 2016. However, a recent assessment by the Asia Pacific Group on Money Laundering (APG) highlighted ongoing deficiencies, particularly in the effectiveness of PNG's AML/CTF regime. While the country has made strides in establishing the necessary laws and regulations (technical compliance), the real challenge lies in PNG's implementation and enforcement. The core of the problem, according to analysts, is a lack of effective prosecution and punishment for money laundering and terrorism financing. High-risk sectors such as corruption, fraud against government programmes, illegal logging, illicit fishing, and tax evasion, remain largely unchecked by successful legal actions. Capacity gaps within key agencies like the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary and the Office of the Public Prosecutor have been cited as significant hurdles. Recent drug hauls have also highlighted existing flaws in detection in the country's financial systems. The implications of greylisting are far-reaching and potentially devastating for a developing nation like PNG, which is heavily reliant on foreign investment and international financial flows. Deputy Opposition leader James Nomane warned in Parliament that greylisting 'will severely affect the economy, investor confidence, and make things worse for Papua New Guinea with respect to inflationary pressures, the cost of imports, and a whole host of issues'. If PNG is greylisted, the immediate economic fallout could be substantial. It would signal to global financial institutions that PNG carries a heightened risk for financial crimes, potentially leading to a sharp decline in foreign direct investment. Critical resource projects, including Papua LNG, P'nyang LNG, Wafi-Golpu, and Frieda River Mines, could face delays or even be halted as investors become wary of the increased financial and reputational risks. Beyond investment, the cost of doing business in PNG could also rise. International correspondent banks, vital conduits for cross-border transactions, may de-risk by cutting ties or scaling back operations with PNG financial institutions. This 'de-risking' could make it more expensive and complex for businesses and individuals alike to conduct international transactions, leading to higher fees and increased scrutiny.
Scoop
31-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
PNG Faces Deadline For Fixing Issues With Money Laundering And Terrorist Financing
Scott Waide, RNZ Pacific PNG correspondent -Analysis Papua New Guinea has five months remaining to fix its anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing (AML/CTF) systems or face the severe repercussions of being placed on the Financial Action Task Force's (FATF) "grey list". The FATF has imposed an October 2025 deadline, and the government is scrambling to prove its commitment to global partners. Speaking in Parliament, Prime Minister James Marape said Treasury Minister, Ian Ling-Stuckey has been given the responsibility to lead a taskforce to fix PNG's issues associated with money laundering and terrorist financing. "I summoned all agency heads to a critical meeting last week giving them clear direction, in no uncertain terms, that they work day and night to avert the possibility of us getting grey listed," Marape said. "This review comes around every five years. "We have only three or four areas that are outstanding that we must dispatch forthwith." PNG is no stranger to the FATF grey list, having been placed under increased monitoring in 2014 before successfully being removed in 2016. However, a recent assessment by the Asia Pacific Group on Money Laundering (APG) highlighted ongoing deficiencies, particularly in the effectiveness of PNG's AML/CTF regime. While the country has made strides in establishing the necessary laws and regulations (technical compliance), the real challenge lies in PNG's implementation and enforcement. The core of the problem, according to analysts, is a lack of effective prosecution and punishment for money laundering and terrorism financing. High-risk sectors such as corruption, fraud against government programmes, illegal logging, illicit fishing, and tax evasion, remain largely unchecked by successful legal actions. Capacity gaps within key agencies like the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary and the Office of the Public Prosecutor have been cited as significant hurdles. Recent drug hauls have also highlighted existing flaws in detection in the country's financial systems. The implications of greylisting are far-reaching and potentially devastating for a developing nation like PNG, which is heavily reliant on foreign investment and international financial flows. Deputy Opposition leader James Nomane warned in Parliament that greylisting "will severely affect the economy, investor confidence, and make things worse for Papua New Guinea with respect to inflationary pressures, the cost of imports, and a whole host of issues". If PNG is greylisted, the immediate economic fallout could be substantial. It would signal to global financial institutions that PNG carries a heightened risk for financial crimes, potentially leading to a sharp decline in foreign direct investment. Critical resource projects, including Papua LNG, P'nyang LNG, Wafi-Golpu, and Frieda River Mines, could face delays or even be halted as investors become wary of the increased financial and reputational risks. Beyond investment, the cost of doing business in PNG could also rise. International correspondent banks, vital conduits for cross-border transactions, may de-risk by cutting ties or scaling back operations with PNG financial institutions. This "de-risking" could make it more expensive and complex for businesses and individuals alike to conduct international transactions, leading to higher fees and increased scrutiny.
