“Papau New Guinea (PNG) is a country north of Australia”, says Peter Chalapan at the kicking AIDS Out Biennial meeting in Botswana, November 2008. Papau New Guinea Sport Foundation (PNGSF) is a member of Kicking AIDS Out since the end of 2008.

The Kicking AIDS Out is integrated in the different programs rolled out in targeted provinces. One of the targeted provinces is the Eastern Highlands. Eastern Highlands is a province with nearly four hundred thousand people and is the most affected by HIV and AIDS. The reason for that is that one of two major highways crosses through the province and brings with it development, as goods can be transported to and from the harbour in Lae. With goods follows people, the mobility is therefore high compared to other provinces of PNG where the only means of transport in and out of the province is by airplane.

According to Australian Aid PNG has the highest incidence of HIV and AIDS in the Pacific region, and is the fourth country in the Asia Pacific region to fit the criteria for a generalised HIV and AIDS epidemic. When you fly in to PNG you will land in the capital Port Moresby. My destination was Goroka. I got accompanied by Peter Chalapan from Port Moresby when we flew in a small aircraft to Goroka where the high altitude keeps the breeze cool and smooth. Peter Salaiau the PNGSF Kicking AIDS Out coordinator met us in Goroka.

The days that followed I visited several communities that have formed Strongim Kommunity Klabs (Active Community Clubs). I met local volunteers and observed community sport and meetings. In Henganofi we met Esekil Agafda, 15 years old in grade 7 who plays football, volleyball and touch rugby.

Esekil shared with me that sometimes he is chosen as the captain of the school and the club soccer team in Henganofi. His goals are set high, Esekil wants to continue with sport and become a leader in the sport in a club or association in his community. Esekeli is aiming to keep up the good marks in school. His favourite subjects are language, science and maths. The ultimate dream is to be a pilot in the army.

Noreen Smith also 15 years old plays basketball and touch footy (touch rugby). Noreen is playing both in a girls and a mixed team. She dreams about becoming a medical doctor. The favourite subjects are language and science. Noreen sees herself involved in sports for the coming years in Henganofi as a coach for children and youths. Noreen never played a Kicking AIDS Out game before but she liked it and would like to learn more about it “the discussion was interesting, and the game fun” she says.