WHO Papua New Guinea

19/12/2025

As we celebrate this festive season, we acknowledge the Government of Papua New Guinea, the National Department of Health, our development partners, and the incredible communities across the country for your unwavering commitment to health.

We have achieved so much in 2025. And we look forward to working with you in 2026.

Together, we are building a healthier future for Papua New Guinea!

09/12/2025

Together for a Polio-Free Papua New Guinea!

Today, leaders and partners gathered in Port Moresby for the Interim Review of the Polio Outbreak Response.

Since March, Papua New Guinea has faced the challenge of ongoing poliovirus transmission, with five confirmed cases and persistent environmental detections.

Thanks to the strong leadership of the National Department of Health, Provincial Health Authorities, and the dedication of our teams, we have vaccinated millions of children across the country.

•Round 1: 1.9 million children reached (83.2% coverage)
•Round 2 (ongoing): 1.88 million children reached with nOPV2 (82.3% coverage), 2.23 million with fIPV (80% coverage).

While we celebrate these achievements, we recognise there is more to do. Our goal is to reach every child and strengthen routine immunisation for a healthier future. WHO, alongside partners like GPEI, GAVI, and the Governments of Australia and New Zealand, remains committed to supporting PNG’s fight against polio and building resilient health systems.

Thank you to all health workers, partners, and communities for your tireless efforts. Together, we can secure a polio-free future for Papua New Guinea!

09/12/2025

Health and Care Workforce Task Analysis Consultation
📅 8–10 December 2025

WHO and key stakeholders have come together to refine and finalise the Task Analysis and draft Scheme of Service for all clinical health cadres.

This consultation is a vital step towards strengthening our health workforce and ensuring quality care for all.

21/11/2025

This morning, WHO joined the walk on Eliminating Violence Against Women in Port Moresby.

WHO joined partners and communities to stand united, reinforcing that ending violence against women is not just a goal but a shared responsibility and a critical step towards health, dignity, and equality for all.

Starting at Konedobu Oval and finishing at Harbourside West, the walk united government, private sector, and community members in the Annual Bel Isi PNG Walk.

Every step taken today sends a powerful message: violence has no place in our homes, workplaces, or society. Together, we can build a safer and more respectful Papua New Guinea.

19/11/2025

Papua New Guinea is taking bold steps to ensure the safety and quality of medicines!

This week, the National Department of Health, WHO, and partners are hosting a four-day workshop in Port Moresby to strengthen post-market surveillance of medicines. Inspectors and experts are working together to finalise new guidelines, share best practices, and build a safer future for all.

As WHO Technical Officer Asaeli Raikabakaba said:
“Let us work together to ensure that every person in Papua New Guinea has access to safe, effective, and quality-assured medicines.”

Read the full story here: https://www.who.int/papuanewguinea/news/detail/19-11-2025-strengthening-medicine-quality-assurance--papua-new-guinea-hosts-post-market-surveillance-workshop

The National Department of Health, in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the PNGAus Partnership, is hosting a pivotal four-day workshop on Post-Market Surveillance (PMS) of medicines at Port Moresby from 18 to 21 November 2025. The workshop brings together representatives from...

18/11/2025

WHO joined global partners at the 7th National Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Symposium today to mark World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (18–24 November) under the theme: “Act Now: Protect Our Present, Secure Our Future.”

WHO Deputy Representative to PNG, Dr Josaia Tiko, said: “AMR is a priority for Papua New Guinea. Together, we can protect the effectiveness of medicines for future generations.”

AMR is a silent pandemic that occurs when germs like bacteria stop responding to medicines that once killed them. Papua New Guinea is tackling this threat through its National AMR Action Plan, updated treatment guidelines, and strong partnerships across health, animal, agriculture, and environmental sectors.

Read more here: https://www.who.int/papuanewguinea/news/detail/18-11-2025-papua-new-guinea-unites-against-antimicrobial-resistance-at-the-7th-national-amr-symposium

07/11/2025

Strengthening Health Information for Better Health Outcomes.

This week, Provincial Health Information Officers, Medical Records Officers, and M&E Officers from across Papua New Guinea have gathered in Port Moresby for the 2025 National Health Information Workshop.

Hosted by the Papua New Guinea National Department of Health National with support from WHO and partners, the five-day workshop focuses on improving data quality, coordination, and use across all levels of the health system. Participants are engaging in hands-on training, reviewing progress on the M&E Strategic Plan, validating health facility lists, and exploring the revised NHIS reporting forms.

“Our goal is clear: to build a strong culture of data use that drives real improvements in service delivery, health outcomes, and accountability.” Said deputy secretary for health, Dr. Dora Lenturut-Katal.

Together, we’re building a stronger culture of data use to drive better decisions, accountability, and health outcomes for every citizen.

27/10/2025

At this year’s 76th WHO Regional Committee Meeting (RCM) in Fiji, Health Minister Hon. Elias Kapavore and WHO Acting Representative Dr Josaia Tiko shared how PNG is making bold progress against neglected tropical diseases (NTDs).

This video highlights the journey, the challenges, and the commitment to leave no one behind.

📖 Read the full story: https://www.who.int/papuanewguinea/news/detail/27-10-2025-who-and-papua-new-guinea-reaffirm-commitment-to-ending-ntd-s-at-76th-rcm

24/10/2025

Today is World Polio Day! As we celebrate the efforts made to achieve a Polio-free world. WHO acknowledges the Papua New Guinea National Department of Health and frontline health workers who are reaching the unreached and leaving no one behind in the fight against Polio in PNG.

Read more about the amazing work: https://www.who.int/papuanewguinea/news/detail/23-10-2025-no-child-left-behind--png-s-fight-against-polio

20/10/2025

Dr. Saia Ma'u Piukala, WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific, welcomed health leaders and partners at the 76th session of the WHO Regional Committee for the Western Pacific today in Nadi, Fiji.

“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together", he said, highlighting how collective action can result in incredible health wins: highlighting momentous milestones in the Region. This includes Fiji's and Papua New Guinea's elimination of , Japan's elimination of rubella - the country eliminated measles earlier - and the collective elimination of measles and rubella by 21 Pacific Island countries and areas.

Dr Piukala introduced the key agenda items for the 76th session and reminded Member States about their shared commitment to .

17/10/2025

On Nuakata Island, off the coast of Milne Bay province, health workers arrived by boat — equipped with life-saving vaccines and health awareness. For families on the island, it was a reminder that no one will be left behind in the fight against Polio.

As part of Round 2 of the Nationwide Polio Immunization Campaign, teams are reaching even the most remote communities, vaccinating children and promoting health through conversations and trust-building.

Among those vaccinated was 7-year-old Shila, who shared “My family told me the vaccine is good for my health,” she said shyly. “I want to be protected.”

Led by the PNG National Department of Health, Provincial Health Authorities, and partners, this campaign is more than vaccines. It’s about reaching the unreached, building relationships, and protecting futures — ensuring every child under 10 receives life-saving vaccines, Vitamin A, and deworming tablets.

📅 Campaign runs from 13–31 October
📍 Look out for teams in schools, health facilities, and your community

15/10/2025

Papua New Guinea is mobilizing nationwide in a powerful show of unity and urgency to stop polio in its tracks. Round 2 of the mass vaccination campaign is now underway in all 22 provinces, targeting every child under 10 years old.

✅ Why it matters:
Since May, over 60 detections of circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2) have been confirmed. One child has already suffered paralysis — a stark reminder of the urgency of the campaign.

✅ What’s happening now:
Children are receiving two types of vaccines — nOPV2 and IPV — along with vitamin A and deworming to boost overall health.
Round 1 reached 83.2% of children in 17 provinces. Now, we must go further: 95% coverage is the goal to stop the outbreak.

✅ WHO is on the ground:
With 20 international consultants supporting provincial teams, WHO is working with the Government of PNG and partners to ensure no child is left behind.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Parents and communities — this is your moment. Bring your children under 10 to the nearest vaccination site. Your action today secures their future tomorrow.

📖 Read the full story: https://www.who.int/papuanewguinea/news/detail/13-10-2025-papua-new-guinea-rallies-for-a-polio-free-future--launch-of-round-2-mass-vaccination-campaign