From 27 to 30 May 2025, the CitiBoutique Hotel in Port Moresby became a hub of collaboration and strategy. Outreach workers, M&E officers, and program staff from SRs across NCD, Morobe, and Western Highlands provinces gathered for the PNG Peer-Led Outreach Harmonization Workshop.
Facilitated by KPAC with support from UNAIDS, the National Department of Health, NACS, and Technical Advisor Philip Wambua, the workshop aimed to strengthen the impact of HIV outreach across the country.
Participants reflected on existing gaps and charted a path forward. Key decisions included:
Developing a standardized Peer-Led Outreach structure that better supports frontline workers
Updating all HIV Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials, with input from NACS, PHAs, and SRs
Entrusting Trainers of Trainers (ToTs) to lead the cascade of future KP outreach training
Ensuring supportive supervision and technical guidance across all levels—from Principal Recipients to Peer Workers.
By harmonizing strategies and reinforcing community-led approaches, this workshop reaffirmed that lasting change in HIV response starts with empowered, informed, and united outreach workers on the ground.
On the 1st of July 2025 at Lamana Hotel, KPAC Secretariat and CLO's (network leads), met with Health Equity Matters team from Australia (Jessica Hill, Amanda Whitty and Meredith Tutumang) discuss and aware of strategic planning techniques for proposal partnership.
Results Achieved:
Delegates became more aware of strategic priorities and funding directions by engaging with draft plans and contributed feedback relevant to their networks.
Through collaborative proposal development, delegates strengthened their understanding of how to build effective corporate partnerships aligned with diverse member needs.
By co-designing fundable product concepts, delegates deepened their knowledge of aligning local priorities with broader funding opportunities.
Delegates expanded their knowledge and understanding of implementation and advocacy tools, better positioning them to support local translation of strategic goals.
On 13 May 2025, a landmark agreement was formalized at the Eastern Highlands Provincial Health Authority (EHPHA) office. KPAC and EHPHA signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), cementing a partnership that strengthens healthcare services for key populations in the province.
This MOU marks the official rollout of the DFAT-funded Community-Led Monitoring (CLM) program in the Eastern Highlands. With collaboration from EHPHA, health facilities, the National Department of Health, and UNAIDS, the program empowers key populations to monitor and improve the quality of HIV-related services.
As part of the implementation:
Ten community-based CLM monitors were recruited to gather, analyze, and report data to stakeholders including EHPHA, NACS, NDoH, and local communities.
CLM activities—such as facility exit interviews, key population forums, and coordinated service reviews—are now underway.
Notably, three DFAT-funded CLM staff have retained their positions, ensuring continuity despite recent US government funding cuts.
This partnership is not just an agreement on paper—it is a shared promise to listen to communities and transform healthcare from the ground up.
On 16 May 2025, a pivotal review meeting was held to evaluate and enhance data management for CLM 1 & 2. The meeting showcased how technology is transforming the way communities monitor healthcare services.
A dedicated KOBO-based application has now been developed, giving the National Response Centre a robust platform for streamlined data collection. The encoding of CLM 1 & 2 data into KOBO represents a significant milestone in efficient and transparent reporting.
Most excitingly, the integration of AI technology now allows for smarter data use. The KPAC website has been enhanced to allow AI-assisted search and access to CLM insights—bringing data closer to decision-makers and communities alike.
This innovation marks the beginning of a new era in community-led data management—one that values both grassroots voices and technological efficiency.
For four transformative days, from April 27 to 30, 2025, church leaders from across Papua New Guinea gathered at the Holiday Inn Hotel in Port Moresby for the Christian Leaders Human Rights Training. This unique initiative brought together 25 Christian leaders along with key partners including UNAIDS, KPAC, the National AIDS Council Secretariat, the National Department of Health, and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).
These leaders—many already connected to grassroots communities—were immersed in heartfelt discussions about the rising impact of HIV, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and gender-based violence (GBV), especially among key populations. For many, it was a confronting but necessary awakening.
Throughout the training, church leaders deepened their understanding of the struggles faced by People Living with HIV (PLHIV) and other marginalized groups. They left not only more informed, but committed to adopting inclusive, compassionate approaches in their ministries—breaking down stigma and supporting life-saving change across PNG.
Community Voices Take Center Stage in EHP:
CLM Partnership Launched
Goroka, EHP | 12–16 May 2025
A milestone was achieved in the Eastern Highlands Province as the Key Population Advocacy Consortium (KPAC), supported by UNAIDS and the National Department of Health, formally introduced the Community-Led Monitoring (CLM) approach to the Eastern Highlands Provincial Health Authority (EHP PHA).
The week-long high-level mission culminated in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between KPAC and EHP PHA on 16 May 2025, signifying strong leadership support to embed community voices in the design and delivery of HIV/STI services.
Led by KPAC's Brenda Lombange and supported by Dr. Gedion Nano (NDoH) and Dr. Rose Morre (NCD PHA), the delegation engaged stakeholders through consultative meetings, a participatory workshop, and field profiling of nine key clinics in Goroka. Five local community monitors were also selected to support grassroots data collection and service accountability.
“CLM will give voice to our clients and guide us to improve services based on real feedback,” said Acting CEO Dr. Pomuso Warima.
With this partnership, EHP becomes the latest province to embrace community-driven health solutions, marking a critical step toward equitable, responsive care for key and vulnerable populations.
KPAC is pleased to share a significant milestone in the DFAT CLM initiative in Eastern Highlands Province. During a productive meeting with KPAC, NDoH, and NCD PHA representatives, Acting CEO Dr. Pomuso Warima granted approval in principle for the program’s implementation.
The Port Moresby team’s presentation effectively conveyed the CLM concept, leaving a strong impression on Dr. Warima. To ensure full alignment, he has requested a detailed briefing on the framework, objectives, and expected outcomes before formalizing the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). In the meantime, KPAC and partners have been authorized to proceed with preparatory work immediately.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all involved—your dedication and collaboration have been instrumental in reaching this milestone. Together, we are strengthening the quality of health services in EHP.
Community TB Advocacy is an advocacy network of those affected by TB based in National Capital District, Morobe and Eastern Highlands provinces. The groups area of focus is on TB advocacy programs like TB Rights, community led monitoring (CLM), barriers in TB health clinics, advocacy, legal literacy and identifying partners to address TB.
On the 19th & 20th of April 2025, a group of resource persons from KPAC networks attended a 1-day training respectively on farmiliarization of the One impact online application for TB.
The ONE IMPACT application serves as an effective tool for communities to monitor commodities and TB services at health facilities. In addition, the application provides basic yet essential information on tuberculosis.
Key Outcomes of the Workshop:
Participants acquired detailed information and practical skills for effectively using the ONE IMPACT online application.
Attendees engaged with various features of the application, accessing critical information and practicing issue reporting.
Participants successfully downloaded the application, establishing robust communication channels both within the community and with external stakeholders.
The team extends its sincere appreciation to STOP TB and the TB Core Group for their invaluable support in making this initiative possible.
HUMAN RIGHTS WORKSHOP - PNG Christian Leaders Alliances on HIV and AIDS.
A two days' workshop on "Human Rights - Enhancing the Capacity of Christian Churches in Promoting Equal access to Stigma free STI and HIV services by key populations" from 1st and 2nd of May 2025 @ Holiday Inn Hotel, Port Moresby organised by the PNG Christian Leaders Alliances on HIV and AIDS ( PNG CLA) chaired by His Eminence, Cardinal John Ribat in collaboration with OHCHR, UNAIDS, Key Population Advocacy Consortium PNG & NACS.
Key results include a) Church Leaders empowered with information on latest alarming HIV situation in PNG. b) Church leaders gained sensitization on key population culture and networks c) Church leaders planned HIV programs for their respective church networks
KPAC PNG would like to acknowledge PNG CLA, OHCHR, UNAIDS and NACS for the participation and connections.
2025 January Updates
9 January 2025, Shady Rest Hotel, NCD, Port Moresby
Two (2) Partners and Six (6) Networks :
KPAC Secretariat; Health Equity Matters (HEM); YouthLead PNG; Friends Frangipani Inc; Kapul Champions; Hetura Network Association; Igat Hope PNG & Community TB Advocacy.
Key Results
Networks agreed to produce a one page profile of their respective networks.
Mathew Rudd of HEM got introduced and updated memebrs of the 2025 HEM support to KPAC Secretriat.
Agreement reached for leaders to review KPAC PNG Constitution & develop a national meeting schedule.
9 January 2025, Shady Rest Hotel, NCD, Port Moresby
Participants - 25 ( FF, Igat Hope, KC and Hetura)
Key Results
Captured 6 KPs have not accessed a health facility in last 6 months
Captured 11 KPs have accessed a health facility in last 6 months
17 KPs correctly completed the CLM KP forum forms 1 & 2
Improved facilitation by KPAC CLM team.