Samantha Power Visits HOPEww Papua New Guinea

HOPE worldwide is honored to announce that its 9 Mile Urban Clinic in Papua New Guinea (PNG) has garnered recognition through a visit from Samantha Power, the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), during her historic first official visit to Papua New Guinea. Her visit to the clinic underscores the significant impact of HOPE worldwide's initiatives in collaboration with USAID programs.

Administrator Power's visit marked a significant moment, as it was the first-ever visit to the country by a USAID Administrator. Her multi-day trip contributed to the partnership between the United States, Papua New Guinea, Australia, Japan, and New Zealand, and officially inaugurated the upgrading of USAID’s presence in Papua New Guinea from a regional satellite office to a Country Representative Office.

Administrator Power's visit to PNG included a tour of the 9 Mile Urban Clinic, which operates as part of HOPE worldwide's ongoing efforts to provide crucial healthcare services to underserved communities. Led by Priscilla Mal, the Country Leader of HOPE worldwide PNG, the clinic's dedicated team continues to make a remarkable difference in various areas, including HIV prevention and treatment, help for victims of violence against women, and overall healthcare.



Samantha Power took to twitter to note that “At the 9-Mile Health Clinic in Papua New Guinea, health workers integrate care for gender-based violence into all types of care, including for HIV+ patients. Adapting to local contexts is PEPFAR at its best.”



The 9 Mile Urban Clinic is an essential component of the Presidential Emergency Plan For HIV/AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), a program funded through USAID to combat HIV/AIDS and provide vital support. Through partnerships with organizations like FHI 360, HOPE worldwide members have been instrumental in delivering comprehensive care and support to HIV/AIDS patients in PNG.

Priscilla Mal, Country Director for HOPE worldwide PNG explained that “USAID currently supports two HOPE worldwide PNG clinics specifically in Gender Based Violence and Antiretroviral Therapy Clinics with technical support from FHI 360. Over 400 PLHIVs are registered and active on treatment in the 9 Mile Clinic and over 600 PLHIVs are registered and active on treatment at the Lawes Road Clinic. Both Clinics have achieved over 95% Viral Load Suppression and we have seen number of HIV Negative babies being born to HIV+ parents.”

HOPE worldwide is deeply honored to have hosted Administrator Power at the clinic on her first official visit to PNG, and remains dedicated to its mission of transforming communities through local, volunteer-based initiatives. With the continuous support of partners like USAID and the unwavering dedication of its teams on the ground, HOPE worldwide and its global network of members like HOPE worldwide PNG strive to make a positive and lasting impact on the lives of individuals in need.

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