His Eminence Sir John Cardinal Ribat MSC, DD, KBE meets the Media ahead of World AIDS DAY.

November 28th , Port Moresby: The PNG Christian Leaders Alliance on HIV & AIDS Secretariat held their Press Conference today ahead of the World Aids Day on Monday December 1^st.  

Addressing the Media , His Eminence Sir John Cardinal Ribat MSC , DD, KBE gave statistics of the deadly virus mentioning that thirty (30) people are infected per day with the virus while seven (7) infants are also born with HIV through Mother to Child Transmission daily.

“ The declared HIV crisis status of the country is challenging all of us as leaders and individuals to not become complacent in the face of adversary with the increasing HIV transmission but to become resilient and responsible citizens by standing up together to collectively take appropriate actions by conduction STI's & HIV awareness and education to prevent new HIV infections whilst equally investing in addressing the root causes and the underlying contributing factors that continues to fuel HIV transmission in PNG”, said His Eminence Sir John Cardinal Ribat.

His Eminence Sir John Cardinal Ribat , MSC , DD, KBE during the Media Conference today at the Port Moresby Archdiocese Office.

The theme for the 2025 World Aids Day was also mentioned during the conference “ Overcoming Disruption, Transforming the AIDs response ’’ which comes from a realization on the impact that funding cuts from international donors have had  on the response to AIDs as well as to demonstrate the resilience of countries and communities stepping up to protect the gains made and drive the HIV response forward.

Members of the Media looked on as Andrew Hama Technical Support Officer for the PNG Christian Leaders Alliance on HIV & Aids Secretariat gave his opening remarks before the Press Conference.

His Eminence Sir John Cardinal Ribat, MSC, DD, KBE called on the government of the day and its relevant departments, State Owned Enterprises , all developmental partners and the National Aids Council Secretariat to collaborate and partner with the churches in terms of how PNG Christian leaders alliance members intend to address the root causes and the underlying contributing factors that continues to fuel HIV transmission.

The PNG Christian Leaders Alliance on HIV & Aids Secretariat's HIV Strategy 2026 – 2030 will engage activities related to addressing root causes and contributing factors and undertake activities to strengthen teaching and learning of school subjects in church educational institutions related to moral values and Christian Values and principles and health education with desired results and outcome in the short, medium and long term.

His Eminence Sir John Cardinal Ribat MSC , DD, KBE called on all responsible citizens to make it out priority to inform , educate , encourage and empower our family members , wantoks, friends , church members and workmates to go to a nearest HIV testing center to get an early HIV test to know their status.

Members of the Media during the Press conference today.

"The earlier you know your status , the earlier you get treatment and you can live a long life with HIV. Let us all make it our priority to inform , educate , encourage and empower our pregnant mothers to get an early HIV test whilst attending Antenatal Clinic so that they can deliver babies who can be free from the HIV infection", said His Eminence Sir John Cardinal Ribat.

His Eminence finished his speech by encouraging everyone to continue to follow Jesus and the teachings in the bible so that everyone can live a life that is pleasing to God and through this the Holy Spirit will change in our hearts and minds our values , attitudes and behaviors so everyone can be healthy and responsible citizens.