WHO Papua New Guinea

04/03/2026

A small reminder that being a good friend means making space for everyone. Inclusion, patience, and kindness matter.

26/02/2026

Ready to Make a Difference in Public Health?

Join the World Health Organization (WHO) Papua New Guinea Country Office!

We're looking for passionate, skilled professionals who want to drive positive change and shape the future of health in PNG.

Here are two opportunities:

1. Communications Officer (NO-B)
📍 Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea
🗓 Application Deadline: 20 March 2026
🕒 Contract: Fixed term (1 year) | Full-time
Application Link - https://bit.ly/who-comms-officer

2. Public Health Officer (Health Promotion and Determinants) (NO-C)
📍 Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea
🗓 Application Deadline: 17 March 2026
🕒 Contract: Fixed-term (1 year) | Full-time
Application Link - https://bit.ly/PublicHealthOffice

Why WHO PNG?
• Be part of a global mission to improve lives and communities.
• Collaborate with leading experts and make an impact on public health.
• Grow your career in a dynamic, supportive environment.

Explore the full Terms of Reference, requirements, and more on the WHO Careers Portal in the application link.

Ready to take the next step?
Submit your application through the links provided.
Your journey to a healthier PNG starts with WHO. Apply now!

23/02/2026

🇵🇬🤝🇯🇵 WHO and the Government of Japan Sign JPY 663 Million Agreement to Strengthen Papua New Guinea’s Polio Response

The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Government of Japan have formalized a JPY 663 million (PGK 18.6 million) agreement to support Papua New Guinea’s ongoing polio outbreak response.

This strategic partnership ensures that the National Department of Health has the technical and operational resources needed to build on the strong progress made in 2025 — when 2.3 million children were reached with life-saving vaccines.

The funding will support the implementation of recommendations from the Polio Technical Advisory Group (TAG), including:

🔹 Targeted Vaccination (Round 3): Supporting logistics and frontline health workers in high-risk provinces.
🔹 Enhanced Surveillance: Strengthening environmental and Acute Flaccid Paralysis (AFP) surveillance to detect and stop the virus early.
🔹 Provincial Technical Support: Deploying experts to assist with micro-planning and high-quality campaign delivery.

During the ceremony, Ambassador Mochizuki of the Embassy of Japan reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to supporting PNG’s health security. Acting WHO Representative Dr. Tiko Josaia emphasized that this partnership bridges scientific evidence with real impact in communities. Minister for Health, Hon. Elias Kapavore, expressed gratitude for Japan’s enduring friendship and reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to managing this support with transparency and integrity.

Together, WHO, Japan, and the Government of Papua New Guinea are working to secure a polio-free future — delivering protection to every child, one drop at a time.

04/02/2026

04/02/2026

All journeys are different.

While experiences differ, early detection and screening, timely access to treatment, survivorship and palliative care should be accessible to all.

4 February is . 🌏🎗️
Cancer continues to be a major health challenge in the Western Pacific Region. In 2022 alone, there were an estimated 6.8 million new cases and nearly 3.5 million deaths. 📊

These numbers highlight the urgent need to strengthen cancer prevention, early detection and treatment.

1 in 5 people face cancer in their lifetime.
In the Western Pacific Region, lung, colorectal, breast, stomach and thyroid cancers are the most common kinds of cancers.

Between 30–50% of cancers can be prevented.
Reduce your risk of cancer:

🚭 Don’t use to***co and alcohol
🏃🏽‍♂️ Exercise regularly, be physically active and stay within a healthy weight
🥗 Eat a healthy diet with a variety of fruits and vegetables
🕶️ Avoid strong sunlight for prolonged periods and limit UV exposure
💬 Practice safe s*x
💉 Get vaccinated against hepatitis B and human papillomavirus (HPV)
🌏🎗️

30/01/2026

UNITE. ACT. ELIMINATE.

On World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day, WHO Papua New Guinea stands together with the National Department of Health Papua New Guinea and valued partners — JICA - Japan International Cooperation Agency, the Leprosy Mission International, PNG Institute of Medical Research, and others — to reaffirm our shared commitment to end NTDs in Papua New Guinea.

Under the global theme “Unite, Act and Eliminate,” we recognize the strong leadership and commitment of NDOH to eliminate NTDs as a public health problem through integrated, people-centered approaches embedded within primary health care and community systems.

NTDs are preventable and treatable — and elimination is achievable.

This day is a call to:
✅Unite across government, partners, communities, and donors
✅ Act by accelerating implementation, financing, and innovation
✅Eliminate NTDs so no community is left behind

WHO remains committed to supporting the Government of Papua New Guinea with technical leadership, coordination, and advocacy — working hand in hand with partners to translate national strategies into impact at community level.

Together, let us turn commitment into action and action into elimination.

30/01/2026

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...