FREE VOLUNTARY HIV COUNSELLING AND TESTING IN PNG: AVAILABLE IN ALL HEALTH FACILITIES

Do you know your HIV status? In Papua New Guinea today, you don't need to travel far or pay money to find out. Voluntary HIV Counselling and Testing, or VCT, is FREE, CONFIDENTIAL, and VOLUNTARY, and it is available in ALL health facilities in PNG. 

From Port Moresby General Hospital to Goroka Provincial Hospital, from district hospitals to your local health centre and church-run clinics, this important service is right near you.

Many Papua New Guineans still fear HIV testing because of shame, fear of gossip, and fear of death. But the truth has changed. 

Testing today is not about death. It is about life. It is about knowing your status so you can live a long, healthy, and planned life. 

What Happens During VCT? 

VCT has three simple steps, and it takes less than one hour. 

First is pre-test counselling. You will sit privately with a trained counsellor. This person is not there to judge you. They are there to listen, to answer your questions, and to prepare you for the test. Everything you say is private. 

Second is the HIV test. It is a small finger-prick test, just one drop of blood. It is quick and not painful. Your result will be ready in about 15 to 20 minutes. 

Third is post-test counselling. Whatever your result is, the counsellor will stay with you, explain what it means, and give you the right advice for your future. You will not be left alone. 

Why You Should Test Today?

If your result is negative, you will have peace of mind. The health worker will help you learn how to stay negative and protect your partner and your children. 

If your result is positive, it is NOT the end of your life. 

This is the most important message for PNG. With early treatment called ART — Antiretroviral Treatment — you can live for 30, 40, or 50 more years. You can continue gardening, working, going to church, and raising your family. Women who are HIV positive can still give birth to healthy, HIV-free babies if they start treatment early. But to get this help, you must know your status early. Testing also protects your family. It stops the virus from passing to your husband, wife, or baby. Knowledge is power. 

Where to Go? 

You can go to ANY health facility in PNG. The National Department of Health and NACS have made it policy that all provincial hospitals, district hospitals, urban clinics, health centres, and many private and NGO clinics must offer free VCT. You do not need a referral letter. You do not need money. Just walk in and say, "Mi laikim HIV test, plis." 

This includes our Health Clinic anywhere in PNG. ALL services are welcome walk-ins from Monday to Friday. 

Your Secret is Safe In our culture, we worry about wantoks talking. We understand this fear. That is why confidentiality is the law. A health worker is not allowed to tell your family, your boss, your pastor, or anyone else about your result. 

Your result is YOUR secret. 

We will never tell anyone. We keep it locked and private. There is no shame and no judgement. Our job is to help, not to condemn. Come alone if you want privacy, or come with your partner if you want support. Don't wait until you are sick and thin. The best time to test is when you are strong and healthy. 

Remember: VCT is FREE, it is CONFIDENTIAL, it is VOLUNTARY, and it is available in ALL health facilities in Papua New Guinea. Know your status and live your life. Your health is your choice.