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On Tuesday, 8 September 2026, the Government of Papua New Guinea marked a major public health milestone with the officia...
08/09/2026

On Tuesday, 8 September 2026, the Government of Papua New Guinea marked a major public health milestone with the official launch of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination programme at New Erima Primary School in Port Moresby.

HPV vaccination is one of the most cost-effective public health interventions to prevent cervical cancer, a disease that continues to take a heavy toll on women and families across the country. Through routine delivery in schools, health facilities and community outreach, the vaccine will protect adolescent girls before exposure to the virus.

The launch convened government leadership, development partners, educators, and health professionals. Key remarks were delivered by representatives from the National Department of Health (NDOH), the Australian Government, WHO, UNICEF, Gavi, the National Capital District Provincial Health Authority (NCDPHA), and the National Department of Education. Health workers then vaccinated girls aged 9–14 years.

The milestone was held alongside a high-level mission by Dr Sania Nishtar, CEO of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, highlighting Gavi's continued support to strengthen routine immunization, primary health care, and sustainable health financing across Papua New Guinea. The visit marks an important moment in PNG's partnership with Gavi and reflects a shared commitment to protecting every child through equitable access to vaccines.

The World Health Organization continues to support NDOH, Provincial Health Authorities (PHAs), and partners in this important step towards a healthier future for girls and women, and stronger immunization systems for all.

United Nations in Papua New Guinea Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance Australian High Commission Papua New Guinea

Papua New Guinea's first Joint External Evaluation (JEE) set priority actions to strengthen the country's capacities, sy...
28/08/2026

Papua New Guinea's first Joint External Evaluation (JEE) set priority actions to strengthen the country's capacities, systems, and coordination mechanisms for health security.

Spanning legal and institutional reform, multisectoral collaboration, and investment in core service delivery — the JEE recommendations will guide the country's efforts to build more effective preparedness and readiness for public health emergencies.

Read more about it via the link in comment.

Photos: WHO / S. Kepa

27/08/2026

Day #3 of Papua New Guinea's Joint External Evaluation is in the books! ✈️🚢

Teams of national and international experts visited key ‘points of entry’ — including the airport and seaport — as well as national laboratories and public health facilities.

Hear how these visits contribute to recommendations for strengthening the country's capacity to:
➡️ Prevent
➡️ Detect and
➡️ Respond to

future .

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Ministry of Health Tonga Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, Asian Development Bank National Centre for Infectious Diseases - NCID The Hong Kong Jockey Club Global Health Institute

25/08/2026

How do we know if a country is ready for the next outbreak, earthquake, or health crisis?

That’s where Joint External Evaluations — also known as JEEs — come in.

On Day 2 of Papua New Guinea's first Joint External Evaluation, we asked national, international and WHO experts to share:
✅what a JEE constitutes
✅who is in the room
✅what gets discussed and decided
✅why this process is critical for health security

Here's what they had to say:

Papua New Guinea 🇵🇬 reached a new milestone today with the launch of its first Joint External Evaluation ( ) JEEs are ...
24/08/2026

Papua New Guinea 🇵🇬 reached a new milestone today with the launch of its first Joint External Evaluation ( )

JEEs are a collaborative cross-sectoral mechanism through which countries assess capacities to prevent, prepare for, detect, and rapidly respond to public health risks as required under the International Health Regulations or IHR (2005).

Over 8️⃣ 0️⃣ national and international experts representing diverse sectors including health, agriculture, environment, security and finance — will spend this week jointly examining PNG's strengths, identifying gaps and prioritizing actions to strengthen the country’s .

In his opening remarks, Hon. Dr. Billy Joseph, Papua New Guinea’s Minister of Health, HIV/AIDS and National Emergency Services, noted: “Bringing various pillars together through this multisectoral assessment will give us a shared picture of where we stand — and a shared commitment to act on what we’ve learnt. Recommendations from this JEE will inform our national health security action plan, guide our efforts and sustain progress towards better emergency preparedness and response.”

WHO is grateful to the Papua New Guinea National Department of Health and the support from the Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade that enables this work.

In many parts of Papua New Guinea, reaching a health facility can already take hours. When a family finally gets there, ...
18/08/2026

In many parts of Papua New Guinea, reaching a health facility can already take hours. When a family finally gets there, they need more than a building. They need a health worker who is there, with the right skills to provide the care they need.

PNG needs more health workers, but numbers alone are not enough. Health workers also need to be in the right places, with the right skills, based on the needs of the communities they serve.

That is why the National Department of Health, with technical support from WHO, is updating workforce standards for Level 1–4 health facilities under the National Health Service Standards 2021–2030.

At a national consultation on 12–13 August 2026, health officials reviewed the number and mix of health workers needed at different levels of care, from health posts and community health posts to health centres and district hospitals.

The updated standards will help guide recruitment, deployment and training, and ensure that investments in buildings, medicines and equipment are matched by the people needed to make health services work.

This is an important step towards stronger primary health care and better access to quality services, particularly for people in rural and remote communities.

Because ultimately, when someone needs care, the right health worker should be there to provide it.

A Life-Saving Milestone for Papua New Guinea’s Girls and WomenPapua New Guinea has received its first shipment of 100,00...
06/08/2026

A Life-Saving Milestone for Papua New Guinea’s Girls and Women

Papua New Guinea has received its first shipment of 100,000 Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine vials, marking a major step toward preventing cervical cancer, one of the leading causes of cancer deaths among women in the country. A further 180,000 vaccine vials will arrive in the coming months, bringing the total to 280,000 vials.

The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a common virus that can cause cervical cancer. The HPV vaccine protects girls before they are exposed to the virus, helping prevent cancer later in life.

Starting in September 2026, approximately 60,000 girls aged 9-14 years will receive the vaccine during the first phase of the programme, with plans to expand across the country as more vaccines arrive.

This important achievement is the result of a strong partnership between the Government of Papua New Guinea, the National Department of Health, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, UNICEF, and the World Health Organization (WHO). Together, these partners are working to ensure girls across Papua New Guinea have access to this life-saving protection.

✅ Government of PNG & the Health Dept is leading the programme.
✅ WHO is providing technical expertise, training, monitoring and evaluation support.
✅ UNICEF is supporting vaccine procurement, delivery systems and community engagement.
✅ Gavi is providing vital co-financing support to help make nationwide introduction possible.

By investing in HPV vaccination today, Papua New Guinea is taking action to protect future generations of women from a disease that is largely preventable.
Together, we can build a future where fewer families lose mothers, sisters, daughters and loved ones to cervical cancer.

28/07/2026

Over 100 million people in the Western Pacific Region live with B or C – accounting for more than one third of the global burden.

Many do not know their status. Many who are diagnosed are still not receiving the care they need.

Hepatitis B and C can lead to liver cirrhosis and liver cancer – but they can be prevented, tested and treated.

This , let's break down the barriers that keep people from lifesaving services.

Get tested. Get treated. Get protected.

Strengthening Papua New Guinea’s Medical Supply System 🇵🇬🏥From 27–29 July 2026, Provincial Health Authorities (PHAs), th...
28/07/2026

Strengthening Papua New Guinea’s Medical Supply System 🇵🇬🏥

From 27–29 July 2026, Provincial Health Authorities (PHAs), the National Department of Health (NDoH), development partners, and key stakeholders gathered at Lamana Hotel, Port Moresby, for the Medical Supplies Strategic Plan (MSSP) 2027–2031 Consultation Workshop. The workshop provided an opportunity to review and update the draft strategic plan aimed at improving the availability, quality, and management of essential medicines and health supplies across the country.

The opening session was attended by Hon. Dr Billy Joseph, Minister for Health, Mr Pascoe Kase, Secretary for Health, and WHO Representative to PNG, Dr Raj, who emphasized the importance of strengthening procurement systems, supply chain management, accountability, and collaboration to ensure reliable access to essential medicines for all Papua New Guineans. Together, government, health partners, and stakeholders are working to build a stronger, more efficient, and sustainable medical supply system that supports better health outcomes across Papua New Guinea.

🇵🇬

One Province. One Plan. Every Ward. Every Island.Political, administrative, health and community leaders gathered in Alo...
27/07/2026

One Province. One Plan. Every Ward. Every Island.

Political, administrative, health and community leaders gathered in Alotau from 20–22 July 2026, together with churches, the private sector and development partners, to strengthen primary health care across Milne Bay Province.
The forum concluded with the adoption of the Alotau Declaration and 100-Day PHC Delivery Compact.

Milne Bay committed to:
🔹 Establishing a PHC delivery model in every district within 100 days
🔹 Reaching and sustaining over 90% vaccination coverage rate
🔹 Delivering regular integrated outreach services
🔹 Supporting frontline workers and Village Health Assistants
🔹 Empowering Ward Health Committees to review progress each month

WHO Representative Dr Rajendra Yadav said:
“A policy cannot carry a vaccine. A budget line cannot fuel a boat. Only a functioning local system can do that.”

The commitment now is to turn the Declaration into results for every ward and every island.

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