The first ever national conference for people living with HIV (PLHIVPerson (or people) Living with HIV. This term is now preferred over the older PLWHA.) in Papua New Guinea (PNGPapua New Guinea) was held in Port Moresby in November 2008.
The conference brought people living with HIV across PNG together to share experiences, offer each other support and learn about issues relevant to their health and lives.
The conference was hosted by Igat HopeOrganisation representing people living with HIV/AIDS in Papua New Guinea. ('Igat Hope' means 'There is hope' in Tok Pisin, the national language of PNG)., PNG’s national organisation for people living with HIV/AIDS, under the leadership of President Helen Samilo. It was funded by AusAID’s PNG-Australia HIV/AIDS Program and NAPWA also supported the conference in a number of ways.
NAPWA consultant Susan Paxton assisted Igat Hope in the development of the conference program, on the ground assistance with organising the event, and evaluation.
NAPWA also funded the participation of two peers, John Trigg and Kenn Basham, who helped support the conference organisers and shared stories with conference delegates based on their long histories of involvement in the Australian positive people’s movement.
NAPWA also funded a facilitator, Tim Leach, for the conference’s session on future structure, and for the AGM.
Download the Conference Report using the link below.