AGP Executive Report

Remote health access: Australia has partnered with Samaritan Aviation to keep lifesaving emergency care and medical supplies reaching remote PNG communities, using seaplanes to cut travel times where roads and rivers make hospital access take days. Hospital procurement: A new Australian tender targets quantity surveying for the refurbishment of the GWARE building at ANGAU Memorial Provincial Hospital in Lae, as part of broader infrastructure work. Neonatal emergency tragedy: Three premature babies died in Markham District after limited local resources couldn’t provide specialised neonatal care; the mother was later evacuated to Lae, highlighting gaps in emergency maternal and newborn services. Health system governance: PNG’s Constructional and Law Reform Commission has launched a national review of the Provincial Health Authority (PHA) Act 2007, urging health workers and partners to share ground realities. Cardiac screening push: A Flying Doctors cardiac clinic screened 43 children in Rabaul, clearing 13 and flagging others for possible surgery discussions. Medicine shortages: Samarai-Murua MP Isi Henry Leonard delivered basic supplies to Misima District Hospital amid El Niño-driven drug shortages, where facilities are forced to scale down services. Nutrition and prevention: A PNG cocoa update reported K1.8b in export earnings and stressed cocoa’s role in funding healthcare, while drought-linked research warns that sickness and death can trigger sorcery-accusation violence. Connectivity for care: Remington Group says Starlink satellite connectivity could extend internet access in remote PNG, supporting service delivery where telecom coverage is weak.

Remote health access: Australia is backing Samaritan Aviation with seaplane flights to deliver emergency medical care, supplies and disaster support to isolated communities in East Sepik and Gulf. Maternal and newborn emergency: In Markham District, a mother who delivered premature triplets at about eight months was evacuated to Lae, but all three babies died after delays and limited local neonatal care. Health governance: PNG’s Constructional and Law Reform Commission has started a national review of the Provincial Health Authority (PHA) Act 2007, urging health workers and partners to share on-the-ground realities. Digital connectivity for care: Remington Group says Starlink satellite internet could extend connectivity in remote PNG, including solar-powered options for areas without reliable electricity. Child heart screening: A cardiac clinic in Rabaul screened 43 children, clearing 13 and flagging others for possible surgery discussions. Cancer screening push: A women’s cancer awareness walk in Port Moresby urged early screening for cervical and breast cancers, highlighting HPV screening and the need for wider access. Drug shortages: Misima District Hospital received basic medical supplies as El Niño impacts worsen and facilities face nationwide medicine shortages. Violence and health risks: Researchers warn drought and sickness can trigger sorcery-accusation violence, raising risks for community health and safety.

Emergency Maternal Care: Three premature babies died after a remote Markham District birth; the mother was evacuated to Lae, but limited local resources and delayed access to specialised neonatal care left little chance. Health Governance: PNG’s Constructional and Law Reform Commission has launched a national review of the Provincial Health Authority (PHA) Act 2007, urging health workers and partners to share what’s really happening on the ground. Connectivity for Care: Remington Group says Starlink satellite internet could extend connectivity to remote PNG communities, with plans for solar-powered setups to support practical services. Child Heart Screening: A cardiac clinic in Rabaul screened 43 children; 13 were cleared and seven flagged for possible open-heart surgery discussions. Cancer Awareness: A Port Moresby walk urged women and girls to get early screening for cervical and breast cancers, highlighting HPV screening and the need for more treatment options. Drug Shortages: Samarai-Murua MP delivered basic medicines to Misima District Hospital amid El Niño-linked shortages. Public Health & Violence Prevention: Former Wallabies captain Will Genia backed rugby clubs as platforms to promote respect, positive masculinity, and prevention of family and sexual violence. Nutrition & Food Security: Tanzania released vitamin A-rich banana varieties—relevant to broader regional nutrition efforts. Climate Pressure on Health: Researchers warn drought and sickness can trigger sorcery-accusation-related violence, with El Niño likely to worsen conditions. System Support: ADB launched a new 5-year PNG strategy aiming to improve access to health and other essential services. Health Media Access: PNG’s NBC radio returned to Daru after years off-air, supporting health and public information reach.

Maternal & newborn emergency: A mother who delivered premature triplets in remote Markham (Morobe) was medevaced to Lae, but all three babies died before specialised neonatal care could be reached, highlighting transport and resource gaps. Essential medicines crisis: Samarai-Murua MP Isi Henry Leonard delivered basic drugs to Misima District Hospital as facilities across PNG face severe shortages, forcing reduced services and patients to buy medicines privately. Child heart care: Forty-three children were screened in Rabaul, with 13 cleared and seven referred for possible open-heart surgery via the Flying Doctors cardiac screening program. Paediatric surgery support: A visiting paediatric surgeon and local teams completed 14 operations across Port Moresby, Paradise Private Hospital and Mt Hagen, building local specialist capacity. Women’s cancer screening push: A Globe-athon Walk in Port Moresby urged early screening for cervical, breast and other “under-the-belt” cancers, pointing to HPV screening and vaccine availability. Health & climate risks: Researchers warn drought and sickness can trigger sorcery-accusation violence, with El Niño-linked dry conditions likely to raise tensions. Health workforce & access: China’s 15th Medical Team received embassy greetings in PNG, with renewed calls for safe, sustained service. Cocoa funding for health: PNG’s cocoa exports topped K1.8b, with most earnings reaching smallholders—money families use for school, healthcare and essentials.

Maternal Health Emergency: A mother in Markham District, Morobe, was medevaced to Lae after premature triplets were born at about eight months, but all three babies died within hours—highlighting how isolation and limited neonatal care can turn childbirth complications fatal. Child Health Screening: In Rabaul, 43 children aged 3 months to 20 years were screened at Nonga General Hospital; 13 were cleared and seven were flagged for possible open-heart surgery, including several Tetralogy of Fallot cases. Essential Medicines Shortages: Samarai-Murua MP Isi Henry Leonard delivered basic drugs to Misima District Hospital as El Niño impacts worsen nationwide medicine shortages, forcing some facilities to scale down services. Women’s Cancer Awareness: A Port Moresby walk urged early screening for “under-the-belt” cancers and breast cancer, pointing to HPV screening and the need for mammograms despite limited public treatment options. Health System Support: A visiting paediatric surgeon program delivered 14 successful operations across Port Moresby General, Paradise Private, and Mt Hagen hospitals, with local teams leading care. Community Health & Access: The 15th China Medical Team was greeted by PNG’s Chinese Ambassador, with renewed calls for safe, orderly service during the holiday period. Health, Climate & Violence Risk: Researchers warn drought and sickness can act as triggers for sorcery accusation-related violence, with El Niño likely increasing stressors. Digital Inclusion for Health: A report highlights how AI can leave out minority languages, while some PNG communities are using AI-enabled tools to preserve and support local language knowledge. Cocoa Revenue for Health Funding: PNG’s cocoa exports earned over K1.8 billion last year, with most income reaching smallholders—money families use for school fees and healthcare. Labour Mobility Links to Wellbeing: PALM scheme updates show PNG workers in Australia remitted large sums supporting housing, education, and healthcare back home. Law-and-Order and Public Safety: Government measures to tackle violent crime and disorder were outlined, stressing individual accountability and stronger policing and prevention.

Neonatal emergency in PNG: A mother from Onga-Waffa in Markham District was airlifted to Lae after giving birth to premature triplets, but all three babies died before specialised neonatal care could be reached—highlighting how distance and limited resources can turn childbirth complications fatal. Child heart screening in Rabaul: Forty-three children aged 3 months to 20 years were assessed in a two-day cardiac clinic; 13 were cleared and seven were flagged for possible open-heart surgery, with Tetralogy of Fallot noted as a surprisingly common congenital condition. Drug shortages hit Misima hospital: Samarai-Murua MP Isi Henry Leonard delivered basic medicines to Misima District Hospital as facilities scale down services amid nationwide shortages, pushing patients toward buying drugs privately. Telemedicine push for rural care: Katim Tasol Foundation is testing a rural primary-care model in Morobe that combines telemedicine, infrastructure and ongoing training to reduce professional isolation for health workers. Women urged to screen early for cancer: Pacific International Hospital used a Port Moresby women’s cancer walk to call for HPV screening, pap smears and mammograms, warning that treatment options remain limited. Health access and identity: PNGCIR, UNICEF and the Australian Government launched a birth registration campaign at a Port Moresby clinic, stressing that birth certificates help children access healthcare and other services. Community health via labour mobility: PNG’s PALM scheme continues to support families through remittances, with earnings reported at K236 million remitted between 2022 and 2025 for housing, education and healthcare.

Paediatric surgery boost: A visiting paediatric surgeon helped deliver 14 successful operations across Port Moresby General Hospital, Paradise Private Hospital and Mt Hagen General Hospital, including complex kidney and tumour cases, with local specialists leading and PNG now having seven paediatric surgeons but still needing more—especially in paediatric urology. Cancer screening push: Women and girls in Port Moresby were urged to get early screening for “under-the-belt” cancers, with organisers highlighting HPV screening and the need for pap smears and mammograms, while noting treatment and radiation access gaps in the public system. Telemedicine for rural care: Katim Tasol Foundation is testing a “Lighthouse” rural healthcare model in Morobe that combines telemedicine, infrastructure and ongoing training to reduce professional isolation for health workers and improve second opinions. Maternal health tragedy: A mother from remote Onga-Waffa gave birth to premature triplets, but all three babies died before specialised neonatal care could be reached; an emergency medevac to Lae came after the local clinic ran out of resources. Birth registration drive: PNGCIR, UNICEF and the Australian Government launched a birth registration awareness and access campaign at the 3-mile Susu Mama clinic, stressing that registration supports identity and access to health care and services. Health system capacity via research: PNG’s agriculture and health-linked research message at the Goroka science conference was clear: research must translate into practical outcomes for communities, including better nutrition and livelihoods. Community health access in the region: John Margerison partnered with the Esesson Foundation to fund free general medicine, women’s health, dental and orthopaedic clinics in Vanuatu, reaching 2,600 people—an approach the foundation says it is expanding across the Pacific, including PNG. Public health awareness: A Globe-athon walk also doubled as a reminder that prevention and early action can save lives even when treatment options are limited.

Telemedicine for rural PNG: Katim Tasol Foundation is testing a “Lighthouse” primary-care model in Morobe that pairs telemedicine with infrastructure and ongoing training, aiming to solve the “second opinion” problem for remote health workers. Child health screening: Operation Open Heart’s Flying Doctors programme screened 91 children for heart conditions in Goroka, identifying complex cases and children needing further discussion or PDA ligation. Birth registration push: PNGCIR, UNICEF and the Australian Government launched a birth registration awareness and access campaign at the Susu Mama clinic in Port Moresby, stressing that birth certificates unlock health care and other services. Doctors under pressure: The National Doctors Association condemned the killing of young doctor Robert Waiye and urged police to pursue justice without delay. Child cancer concern: Local reporting highlights rising brain tumors among children, with calls for earlier detection and stronger community and health-worker awareness. Measles warning: A wider Western Pacific health message says measles is resurging due to missed vaccinations and weakened trust, urging countries to close immunity gaps fast. Climate and health link: PNG and Solomon Islands leaders at the UN demanded real climate action on sea-level rise, warning that empty promises are putting communities at risk. Regional health cooperation: India and Pacific Island countries reaffirmed cooperation on healthcare alongside renewable energy and disaster resilience through the FIPIC foreign ministers’ meeting. Flood protection for girls: Save the Children says protection measures for girls must be intensified in flood-affected displacement settings, citing trafficking, violence and safety gaps.

Telemedicine for rural care: Katim Tasol Foundation is testing a “Lighthouse” primary healthcare model in Morobe that links remote health workers with second opinions via telemedicine, plus infrastructure and continuous training to tackle professional isolation. Child health screening: Operation Open Heart screened 91 children for heart conditions at Goroka General Hospital, identifying complex cases and listing some for PDA ligation and further follow-up, with a push to train rural clinic staff to spot warning signs early. Doctors’ safety and justice: The National Doctors Association condemned the fatal attack on young doctor Robert Waiye in Kundiawa, urging police to pursue all suspects and ensure due process. Childhood cancer concern: A PNG editorial highlights rising brain tumor cases in children and stresses earlier detection, better awareness of warning signs, and stronger capacity for cancer care. Birth registration access: PNGCIR, UNICEF and the Australian Government launched a birth registration awareness and services campaign at the 3-mile Susu Mama clinic in Port Moresby, calling birth certificates a gateway to health care and other essential services. Measles comeback warning: A regional public health piece warns measles is resurging due to vaccination gaps and misinformation, urging communities and health systems to close coverage gaps. Health and climate links: PNG and Solomon Islands leaders at the UN demanded real climate action to protect lives from sea-level rise, tying environmental threats directly to future health security. Regional health cooperation: India and Pacific Island countries discussed renewed cooperation on healthcare alongside renewable energy, climate action and disaster resilience under the FIPIC framework. Workforce and safety in infrastructure: Madang’s Northern Coastal Highway repairs (PNG-Australia Partnership) created local jobs and boosted women’s participation in construction, with training covering workplace health and safety and environmental management.

Telemedicine for rural care: Katim Tasol Foundation says its “Lighthouse” model at Indagen Health Sub-centre in Morobe is tackling professional isolation by pairing telemedicine with infrastructure and ongoing training, so remote health workers can get a second opinion for tough cases. Child health screening: Operation Open Heart screened 91 children at Goroka General Hospital for heart conditions, finding several needing further discussion or surgery, and urged wider provincial reach through training for rural clinic staff and community health workers. Cancer alarm: PNG is seeing a rise in childhood brain tumors, with calls for earlier detection and better capacity to diagnose and treat complex cancers before they reach advanced stages. Doctors’ safety: The National Doctors Association condemned the killing of young doctor Robert Waiye in Kundiawa and urged police to pursue justice without delay. Birth registration push: PNGCIR, UNICEF and Australia launched a birth registration awareness and access campaign at the 3-mile Susu Mama clinic in Port Moresby, stressing that birth certificates unlock health care, education and protection. Public health warning: A CDC update highlights renewed polio risk in multiple countries, urging enhanced precautions for travelers. Climate action: Marape and Solomon Islands PM Wale used UNGA to demand real carbon cuts, not “empty promises,” as sea-level rise threatens PNG and the Pacific. Displacement pressure: A PNG National Research Institute report flags internal displacement driven by tribal conflict, land disputes, disasters and climate impacts, warning it disrupts education, healthcare and livelihoods.

Telemedicine for rural care: Katim Tasol Foundation is testing a “Lighthouse” primary-care model in Morobe, using telemedicine plus infrastructure and ongoing training to tackle the lack of second opinions for remote health workers. Child health screening: Operation Open Heart screened 91 children for heart conditions at Goroka General Hospital, identifying complex cases and listing some for further discussions and possible PDA surgery. Doctors under pressure: The National Doctors Association condemned the killing of young doctor Robert Waiye in Kundiawa, urging police to pursue justice without delay. Childhood cancer concern: A rise in brain tumors among PNG children is being flagged, with calls for earlier detection and stronger capacity for diagnosis and treatment. Birth registration push: PNGCIR, UNICEF and Australia launched a birth registration awareness campaign at the 3-mile Susu Mama clinic in Port Moresby, stressing that birth certificates unlock access to health care and other services. Measles warning: Western Pacific measles is resurging amid vaccine gaps and misinformation, highlighting the need to reach every child with routine immunisation. Displacement and health strain: A PNG National Research Institute report warns internal displacement is disrupting education, healthcare and livelihoods, driven by tribal conflict, land disputes, disasters and climate impacts.

Telemedicine for rural care: Katim Tasol Foundation is testing a “Lighthouse” primary healthcare model in Morobe that combines telemedicine, infrastructure and ongoing training to reduce professional isolation for health workers at Indagen Health Sub-centre. Child health screening: Operation Open Heart screened 91 children for heart conditions at Goroka General Hospital, identifying complex cases and listing some for further PDA surgery discussions, with a push to train rural clinic staff to spot warning signs early. Paediatric cancer concern: Reports highlight a rise in children’s brain tumours in PNG, stressing the need for earlier detection and stronger cancer care capacity. Doctors under pressure: The National Doctors Association condemned the killing of young doctor Robert Waiye in Kundiawa and called for thorough police action and justice. Birth registration push: PNGCIR, UNICEF and Australia launched a birth registration awareness and access campaign at the 3-mile Susu Mama clinic in Port Moresby, urging families to secure birth certificates to unlock health and other services. Measles warning: A regional health piece says measles is resurging in the Western Pacific due to vaccine coverage gaps and misinformation, urging communities to close immunity gaps. High Seas Treaty milestone: PNG is among new ratifiers as the High Seas Treaty reaches 100 parties, setting up rules for protecting ocean biodiversity beyond national waters.

Telemedicine for rural care: Katim Tasol Foundation is testing a “Lighthouse” model in Morobe that uses telemedicine, better infrastructure and ongoing training to give remote health workers access to second opinions. Child health screening: Operation Open Heart screened 91 children for heart conditions at Goroka General Hospital, with several referred for further discussion or surgery. Cancer access in crises: MSF says cancer care—from screening to treatment and palliative support—is possible in low-resource settings, but barriers to prevention, timely diagnosis and treatment must be tackled. Birth registration push: PNGCIR, UNICEF and Australia launched a birth registration awareness and access campaign at the 3-mile Susu Mama clinic in Port Moresby, linking registration to access to health care and other services. GBV services move to action: A panel in Port Moresby stressed turning GBV/FSV commitments into practical help, including faster access to protection orders and stronger referral systems. Health workforce safety: The National Doctors Association condemned the killing of young doctor Robert Waiye in Kundiawa and called for full justice. Cleft surgery outreach: Air Niugini supported cleft lip and palate surgeries for 17 Bougainville patients, including 13 children, via a specialist team from Port Moresby General Hospital. Measles warning: A regional reminder notes measles is resurging where vaccine coverage and trust slip, calling for renewed outreach. High Seas Treaty milestone: PNG joined the High Seas Treaty’s 100-party push, setting up future marine protection decisions that can support healthier ocean ecosystems.

Paediatric heart care: Ninety-one children were screened for heart conditions at Goroka General Hospital under Operation Open Heart’s National Cardiac “Flying Doctors” programme (Sept 9–10), with some identified for complex care and further discussions—highlighting the need to train rural clinic staff and community health workers to spot early warning signs. Child health crisis: Port Moresby General Hospital doctors say brain tumors among children are becoming more common, including very young infants, raising urgent calls for earlier detection and stronger cancer care capacity. Justice for health workers: The National Doctors Association condemned the killing of young doctor Robert Waiye in Kundiawa, urging police to pursue every avenue and deliver full justice. Access to specialist surgery: Air Niugini supported cleft lip and palate surgeries for 17 Bougainville patients (including 13 children) via a Port Moresby General Hospital specialist team, reducing travel and cost barriers. Health system support: PNGCIR, Australia and UNICEF launched a birth registration campaign, integrating registration into health facilities so families can secure legal identity from the start. Regional health cooperation: India and Pacific Island countries reaffirmed cooperation on healthcare and capacity building at FIPIC talks in New York. Local governance and medicines: Madang Governor Ramsey Pariwa called for devolution so provinces can manage health needs, after launching a container of medical supplies for Madang Provincial Hospital.

Paediatric heart care: Ninety-one children were screened for heart conditions at Goroka General Hospital under the National Cardiac “Flying Doctors” programme (Sept 9–10), with 3 complex cases and 5 children listed for PDA ligation surgery, while specialists urged rural clinic staff and community health workers to spot early warning signs. Childhood cancer alarm: Port Moresby General Hospital paediatric oncology says brain tumours are becoming more common, with cases reported in children as young as 3 months, stressing early detection and treatment. Health worker safety and justice: The National Doctors Association condemned the killing of Dr Robert Waiye in Kundiawa, calling for thorough police investigations and full prosecution. Cleft surgery outreach: Air Niugini supported cleft lip and palate surgeries for 17 Bougainville patients (including 13 children) at Buka General Hospital, led by Port Moresby General Hospital specialists. GBV moves to action: UNICEF and PNG leaders urged turning gender-based violence policies into practical services, including faster access to protection orders and stronger referral systems beyond major towns. Birth registration push: PNG Civil and Identity Registry, Australia and UNICEF launched a campaign to register births through health facilities, helping children secure legal identity and access essential services. Human trafficking raid: Police disrupted an alleged people-smuggling operation in Port Moresby, rescuing 39 Indonesians and detaining four Chinese nationals as charges are prepared. Public health capacity debate: A call for stronger provincial control over health procurement and services followed Madang Governor Ramsey Pariwa’s push for devolution from Waigani.

Health Partnerships Debate: City Pharmacy Limited chair Stephanie Copus Campbell and pharmacist Sir Mahesh Patel argue PNG’s health system can’t be carried by government alone, calling for a “right balance” with private sector support that strengthens the public system (not privatise it). Provincial Health Supply & Devolution: Madang Governor Ramsey Pariwa urged decentralising powers from Waigani to provinces while launching a container of medical drugs for Madang Provincial Hospital. Doctor Safety & Justice: In Simbu, the killing of Dr Robert Waiye sparked calls for swift legal action and stronger protection for health workers, with peaceful protests reported after his death. Childhood Cancer Update: Port Moresby General Hospital paediatric oncology says brain tumours are becoming more common among children, stressing early detection and treatment. Gender-Based Violence & Peace: UNICEF says peace must mean everyday safety for women and children, citing high rates of intimate-partner violence and violence’s harm to health and education. Human Trafficking Raid: Police in Port Moresby say they disrupted an alleged people-smuggling operation, rescuing 39 Indonesians and detaining four Chinese nationals. Snakebite Awareness: PNG Snakebite Partnership marked International Snakebite Awareness Day with prevention and first-aid messages, urging fast medical care. Disaster Response Training: A Wisconsin-led disaster relief exercise in Lae trained PNG Defence Force members and volunteers, including lifesaving medical skills. Mining & Community Health Support: Ramu NiCo highlighted two decades of community support including health services, schools, and infrastructure around Madang’s Ramu project. Education Pathways for Health: India’s High Commissioner promoted Study in India fairs, pointing to health sciences options and scholarships for PNG students.