Responding to HIV and AIDS

UNDP works to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS and reduce its impact. As a trusted development partner, and co-sponsor of UNAIDS, it helps countries put HIV/AIDS at the centre of national development and poverty reduction strategies; build national capacity to mobilize all levels of government and civil society for a coordinated and effective response to the epidemic; and protect the rights of people living with AIDS, women, and vulnerable populations. Because HIV/AIDS is a world-wide problem, UNDP supports these national efforts by offering knowledge, resources and best practices from around the world.

Globally UNDP is combating the spread of HIV and AIDS through the following Service Lines:

  • Leadership and capacity development to address HIV/AIDS (SL 5.1)
  • Development planning, implementation and HIV/AIDS responses (SL 5.2)
  • Advocacy and communication to address HIV/AIDS (SL 5.3)

HIV/AIDS in PNG has been identified as a major threat to the development of the nation, with the country becoming the 4th in the Asia-Pacific region to have a generalized epidemic. UNDP has been strengthening the national response to HIV/AIDS through its Support to the National Response to HIV/AIDS in Papua New Guinea Project and the introduction of the Leadership Development Programme . UNDP has also played vital role in assisting PNG secure Global Fund money through the hiring of a Global Fund Specialist. UNDP is also a key contributor to a Joint UN Agency Programme on Monitoring and Evaluation of HIV/AIDS in PNG.

UN Joint Programme: HIV/AIDS Monitoring and Evaluation Enhancement Support Project

Read Helen's Story which follows the life of Helen Samilo, a 25 year-old Papua New Guinean who was diagnosed with HIV over 10 years ago.