UNICEF has warned of the startlingly high rate of HIV transmission, about a 30% increase, from mother to child in Papua New Guinea (PNG). On World AIDS Day on Sunday 1st December, UNICEF in a statement revealed that an estimated 790 new child infections were caused by this problem in 2023 alone, endangering the nation's success in the fight against HIV. PNG is having difficulty preventing HIV transmission from pregnant women to their unborn children, despite notable progress in lowering HIV-related deaths—more than 33,300 lives have been saved since 2010 because to anti-retroviral medication. UNICEF states that more work must be done to address the situation, pointing to significant barriers in the form of gaps in diagnostic, prevention, and treatment services for expecting mothers. UNICEF’s Acting Representative in PNG, Kateryna Lytvynenko, described the situation as a call to action, saying no child should be born with HIV, Syphilis, or Hepatitis. “By expanding testing, strengthening healthcare systems, and increasing awareness, we can turn the tide and save lives - 30 percent transmission rate is unacceptable.” While testing efforts have improved, only 58,014 (23 percent) of pregnant women of 253,243 tested for HIV in 2023. Only one in five pregnant women know their HIV Status according to UNICEF. Testing needs to improve for Prevention of Parent-to-Child Transmission (PPTCT) in the country. UNICEF is collaborating closely with the Government of Papua New Guinea and other partners to increase test kit availability, improve training for healthcare workers, and increase community awareness in order to address the issue. While public education initiatives are being conducted to lessen stigma and encourage expectant mothers to seek antenatal care, training programs are being implemented to ensure healthcare providers are prepared to give comprehensive care. According to Lytvynenko, the transmission crisis requires immediate investments in outreach and healthcare infrastructure. The organization cautioned that the problems are not limited to HIV, as hepatitis and syphilis also pose serious threats to the health of mothers and children.