AGP Executive Report

Drought & waterborne disease: Lake Murray has dried up in PNG’s Western Province, forcing island communities to camp near shrinking creeks and shutting down river trade—while health workers report rising stomach pain, diarrhoea, malaria, and typhoid, alongside school closures. Immunisation push: Western Health Authority is gearing up for a province-wide catch-up immunisation campaign, using digital tracking tools and tablets to find missed doses and respond to a new measles outbreak in New Ireland. Women’s cancer prevention: Western Highlands women and girls are gaining access to cervical cancer screening, treatment, and HPV vaccination through a PNG–Australia elimination programme using GeneXpert testing at Mt Hagen Hospital. COVID vaccine rollout: Sinopharm has been launched at Port Moresby General Hospital and will be distributed through PNG’s vaccine system for adults 18+ in two doses, with officials urging vaccination ahead of possible new waves. Breastfeeding “Golden Hour”: PNG marks World Breastfeeding Week with a call for early initiation, skin-to-skin contact, and breastfeeding within the first 60 minutes after birth. HIV rights & funding warning: A global briefing warns HIV gains are being undermined by anti-rights, anti-gender backlash as funding drops. PNGDF medical cooperation: During Tamiok Strike 26, PNG Defence Force medical teams worked with U.S. counterparts to treat hundreds of additional patients and strengthen ongoing health cooperation. Oral cancer risk: Betel quid chewing is highlighted as a “quiet epidemic” linked to oral cancer, with PNG facing the highest oral cancer incidence rates globally. Malaria travel alert: A new UK travel health warning lists Papua New Guinea among malaria-risk destinations, underscoring the need for traveller precautions.

Cervical Cancer Push: Women and girls in Western Highlands are getting better access to cervical cancer screening, treatment and HPV vaccination through PNG’s first comprehensive cervical cancer elimination programme, using Mt Hagen’s Women’s Wellness Centre and GeneXpert testing for same-day results. COVID-19 Vaccine Rollout: Sinopharm was launched at Port Moresby General Hospital and will be rolled out via PNG’s vaccine distribution system for adults 18+ in two doses, with officials stressing vaccination remains voluntary. Birth Registration Breakthrough: Newborns at Mount Hagen General Hospital have received first-ever birth certificates through a Birth Registration Desk partnership with PNG Civil and Identity Registry and UNICEF. HIV Funding Warning: At a global AIDS meeting, advocates warned PNG-relevant HIV gains are threatened by anti-rights/anti-gender backlash and collapsing funding, just as the world nears 2030 targets. Tobacco Harm Story: A “Bad Smoke” campaign story highlights how young mothers are quitting tobacco and protecting babies from second- and third-hand smoke. Oral Cancer Alert: A report flags PNG’s oral cancer burden linked to betel nut chewing, calling it a “quiet epidemic” needing stronger prevention and care. Health Financing Planning: A PNG Health costing study expands to Milne Bay to strengthen health financing and service delivery. Malaria Travel Warning: A new UK travel health risk list includes Papua New Guinea for malaria precautions. Local Services Access: A new Fly Gogodala LLG chamber aims to bring decision-making and basic services closer to rural communities.

Cervical cancer push in Western Highlands: Women and girls in PNG’s Western Highlands are getting faster access to screening, treatment and HPV vaccination through PNG’s first comprehensive cervical cancer elimination programme, using GeneXpert testing at the Women’s Wellness Centre in Mt Hagen Hospital. Birth registration at hospital level: Mothers at Mount Hagen Provincial Hospital received the first-ever birth certificates via a Birth Registration Desk, supported by PNG Civil and Identity Registry, the Western Highlands Provincial Health Authority and UNICEF. COVID-19 vaccine rollout: Sinopharm was launched at Port Moresby General Hospital and will be rolled out through PNG’s vaccine distribution system for adults 18+, with two doses three weeks apart. HIV funding warning: At AIDS 2026, advocates warned PNG and the region face renewed anti-rights/anti-gender backlash as HIV funding cuts threaten progress. Oral cancer concern: A spotlight on PNG’s “quiet epidemic” of oral cancer links rising risk to betel nut chewing and calls for stronger prevention and dental action. Health financing study expands: A Cost of Services study led by NEFC is moving to Milne Bay to strengthen health financing and service delivery. Community services closer to people: A new Fly Gogodala LLG chamber was opened to bring administration and basic services nearer rural communities. Malaria travel alert: UK health guidance flagged Papua New Guinea among malaria-risk countries, urging travellers to take precautions. Youth health through sport: Mountain Dew x Wan Squad dance championships return on Aug 16, promoting positive youth engagement. Local health access via tech: PNG’s DPI strategy is moving forward with digital ID plans, including biometric voting pilots—raising questions about whether services reach everyone.

HIV & Rights: Advocates at AIDS 2026 warn the global HIV response is being hit by a coordinated anti-rights and anti-gender backlash just as funding collapses, arguing gender justice and the leadership of key populations are essential to reaching 2030 targets. Local Governance: Livestock Minister Agena Gamai officially opened the new Fly Gogodala LLG chamber in Western, urging LLG leaders to stay in communities so basic services reach the grassroots. COVID-19 Vaccines: Sinopharm’s COVID-19 vaccine was launched at Port Moresby General Hospital and will be rolled out via PNG’s vaccine distribution system for adults 18+, with two doses three weeks apart. Birth Registration: Mount Hagen General Hospital in Western Highlands began issuing first-ever birth certificates through a Birth Registration Desk, supported by PNG Civil and Identity Registry, the provincial health authority and UNICEF. Health Financing: The NEFC expanded its Provincial Health Authority Cost of Services Study to Milne Bay to strengthen health financing and service delivery. Malaria Alert: UK travel guidance added Papua New Guinea to malaria-risk country lists, urging travellers to take precautions. Community & Youth Health: The Gamuna Foundation ran a school awareness program covering education, alcohol and drug abuse, law and order, and health and hygiene. Public Health Context: A report links poverty and unemployment to higher STI and HIV transmission risk in PNG, saying treatments alone can’t stop spread without addressing underlying drivers.

COVID-19 Vaccination: Sinopharm’s COVID-19 vaccine was launched at Port Moresby General Hospital and will be rolled out via PNG’s national vaccine distribution system for adults 18+ in two doses, with Health Minister Jelta Wong stressing vaccination is voluntary but needs real options. HIV & Poverty Link: A new focus on poverty and unemployment highlights how economic hardship can drive transactional sex, reduce access to health services, and worsen PNG’s HIV crisis. Birth Registration Breakthrough: Mount Hagen General Hospital in Western Highlands began issuing newborn birth certificates through a new Birth Registration Desk, supported by PNG Civil and Identity Registry, the provincial health authority and UNICEF. Health Financing: The NEFC cost of services study has expanded to Milne Bay to strengthen health financing and improve service delivery. Medicine Supply Chain Pressure: Health leaders continue pushing medicine reforms after reports of failures in PNG’s medicine supply chain and provinces reporting patients turned away without drugs. Digital Health & IDs: PNG’s DPI push is moving toward biometric voting pilots and new digital ID applications, with millions still outside the national ID system. School Safety: PNG police condemned rising school fights and violent behaviour in Port Moresby, warning students will be treated as offenders under the law. Regional Security & Training: PNG and Timor-Leste discussed security cooperation for PNG’s 2027 election and a joint scholarship push that could include tropical medicine. Infrastructure for Access: Connect PNG road projects in West Sepik (including Vanimo–Green River and Sepik Highway sections) aim to improve access to services and markets. Community Health Education: The Gamuna Foundation ran a school awareness program covering education, alcohol and drug abuse, law and order, and health and hygiene. Mobile Coverage Gap: A Kira community in the mountains remains without mobile network access, delaying emergency care and cutting families and students off from support.

Birth Registration Breakthrough: Mothers at Mount Hagen Provincial Hospital in Western Highlands received the first-ever official birth certificates through a Birth Registration Desk, with PNG Civil and Identity Registry, the Provincial Health Authority and UNICEF supporting the rollout. Health Financing Push: The NEFC and partners have begun expanding a Provincial Health Authority Cost of Services Study to Milne Bay, aiming to strengthen health financing and service delivery nationwide. Medicine Supply Chain Accountability: The Health Minister is moving to tighten scrutiny of Provincial Health Authorities and lock in medicine funding after reports of patients turned away without drugs, as reforms face a June 30, 2027 deadline. HIV Funding Under Threat: Advocates at AIDS 2026 warned anti-rights and anti-gender backlash plus funding cuts could roll back HIV gains. Oral Health Campaign: Colgate Palmolive (PNG) marked 15 years of National Tooth Brushing Day, reaching 484,265 students and teachers with oral health education. Public Safety at Sea: A veteran marine pilot urged people to avoid unnecessary travel during the peak south-easterly monsoon, after recent maritime accidents including a deadly East New Britain incident. Drug Policy Focus: PNG and Australia were urged to maintain strict cannabis restrictions due to mental health harms and wider community safety risks. Digital Services for Health & Identity: PNG’s DPI strategy is moving toward biometric voting pilots and new digital ID applications, with millions still outside the national ID system.

Birth Registration Breakthrough: Mothers at Mount Hagen General Hospital in Western Highlands received the first-ever birth certificates through a hospital Birth Registration Desk, supported by PNG Civil and Identity Registry, the provincial health authority and UNICEF—an important step toward legal identity from birth. Health Financing Push: The NEFC’s Cost of Services Study has expanded to Milne Bay, continuing work to strengthen health financing and improve service delivery across provinces. Medicine Supply Chain Fixes: PNG’s medicine shortages have been linked to five major failures in the national supply chain, with Health Minister Dr Billy Joseph moving to reform procurement and distribution and setting a June 30, 2027 deadline. HIV Funding and Rights Under Pressure: Advocates at AIDS 2026 warned that anti-rights backlash and funding cuts could roll back HIV gains. Sea Safety Warning: A veteran marine pilot urged people to avoid unnecessary travel during PNG’s rough south-easterly monsoon season after recent maritime tragedies and rescues. Mobile Coverage Gap: In Kira LLG, communities without mobile network access say delays in emergencies and patient care are putting lives at risk. Oral Health Campaign: Colgate PNG marked 15 years of National Tooth Brushing Day with nationwide school participation and oral health education. Regional Security and Training: PNG and Timor-Leste discussed election security support and a joint scholarship push, including areas like tropical medicine. HIV and Gender Rights: Rights groups called for urgent action as rising HIV infections and renewed criminalisation threaten key populations.

HIV Response Under Threat: At AIDS 2026 in Rio, rights advocates warned PNG and the region could lose ground as anti-rights and anti-gender backlash rises alongside funding cuts, with calls to protect prevention and treatment for key populations. Medicine Supply Fix Urgent: PNG’s Health Minister Dr Billy Joseph admitted major failures in the medicine supply chain and set a June 30, 2027 deadline for procurement and distribution reforms, including tighter oversight after provinces reported patients turned away without drugs. Stronger Provincial Health Accountability: Dr Joseph ordered Provincial Health Authority boards to submit deeper details on governance, finances and service delivery, aiming to raise standards and improve monitoring across the system. Birth Registration in Hospitals: Mothers at Mount Hagen Provincial Hospital received official birth certificates through a new partnership integrating birth registration into healthcare services with UNICEF support—helping newborns secure legal identity from day one. Oral Health Push: Colgate PNG marked 15 years of National Tooth Brushing Day, reaching hundreds of thousands of students with oral hygiene education in partnership with PNG’s Oral Health Services. HIV Alarm From Church Leaders: Cardinal Sir John Ribat urged urgent action as PNG’s HIV infection rate is reported to have climbed again after years of decline, calling for renewed prevention, treatment and public awareness. Sea Travel Safety: A veteran marine pilot warned people to avoid unnecessary journeys during the peak south-easterly monsoon, after multiple recent maritime incidents.

Medicine supply chain shake-up: PNG’s Health Minister Dr Billy Joseph says medicine shortages stem from five failures in the national supply system, and he’s pushing reforms with a June 30, 2027 deadline, including tighter procurement and funding controls after provinces reported patients turned away without drugs. Provincial health accountability: Dr Joseph has ordered Provincial Health Authority Boards to submit deeper details on governance, finances and service delivery, warning that weak boards may lose support. HIV warning: Cardinal Sir John Ribat urged urgent government action as PNG’s HIV infection rate has climbed from 0.4% to 1.5%, calling for stronger prevention, treatment and public awareness. Food security push: Agriculture leaders at PNG’s Food and Nutrition Conference 2026 called for multi-sector partnerships and better research-to-policy links to tackle persistent nutrition and food security challenges. Oral health drive: Colgate PNG marked 15 years of National Tooth Brushing Day, with hundreds of thousands of students and teachers taking part nationwide. Rural access gap: In Kira, communities still lack mobile network coverage, leaving families isolated and delaying emergency care. Public health risk from water: Port Moresby’s water repair work has been delayed after a landowner blockade, putting the city’s water supply at serious risk.

Medicine Shortages & Reform: Papua New Guinea’s medicine crisis has been linked to five failures in the national supply chain, with Health Minister Dr Billy Joseph taking responsibility and setting a June 30, 2027 deadline for major procurement and distribution reforms, including a plan to protect the K392 million medicines budget through a National Medicines Trust Fund. Health System Accountability: The Health Minister has ordered closer scrutiny of Provincial Health Authorities, asking boards for deeper details on governance, finances and service delivery to lift standards and improve oversight. HIV Urgency: Cardinal Sir John Ribat called for urgent action as PNG’s HIV epidemic worsens, warning prevention and investment have slipped and urging stronger public awareness, treatment and prevention efforts. Water Safety Risk: Port Moresby’s water repairs have been delayed after a landowner blockade, with reports warning a leaking pipeline is in active failure and could trigger a major health emergency if it collapses. Oral Health Push: Colgate PNG marked 15 years of National Tooth Brushing Day, reaching hundreds of thousands of students with oral hygiene education in partnership with the National Department of Health. Community Health Education: Gamuna Foundation ran a school awareness program covering education, alcohol and drug abuse, law and order, and health and hygiene to help students make safer choices early. Mental Health Snapshot: A global list highlights very low reported depression rates in PNG, with researchers cautioning low numbers may reflect limited screening rather than better wellbeing. Rural Access & Care: A Kira community in the mountains says lack of mobile network coverage delays emergency help and urgent patient transport, calling for basic connectivity to reduce dangerous delays.

Medicine supply overhaul: Papua New Guinea’s medicine crisis has been traced to five failures in the national supply chain, with Health Minister Dr Billy Joseph taking responsibility and setting a June 30, 2027 deadline for major procurement and distribution reforms, as provinces report patients being turned away without drugs. Provincial health accountability: Dr Joseph has ordered closer scrutiny of Provincial Health Authorities, asking boards for deeper details on governance, finances and service delivery to lift standards across the health system. HIV prevention push: Cardinal Sir John Ribat called for urgent action as PNG’s HIV infection rate has risen from 0.4% to 1.5% over 14 years, warning awareness and prevention investment have fallen. Oral health drive: Colgate PNG marked 15 years of National Tooth Brushing Day, reaching 484,265 students and teachers with oral hygiene education in partnership with the National Department of Health. Community health and safety: Gamuna Foundation ran a school awareness program covering education, alcohol and drug abuse, law and order, and health and hygiene. Access to care in emergencies: In Kira, residents say lack of mobile network coverage delays help and urgent medical attention, highlighting the need for basic connectivity.

Medicine supply overhaul: Papua New Guinea’s Health Minister Dr Billy Joseph says the medicine crisis stems from five major failures in the national supply chain, with drugs disappearing before reaching patients and empty hospital shelves; he’s set a June 30, 2027 deadline for procurement and distribution reforms and is moving to lock in funding, including a proposed National Medicines Trust Fund of K392 million. Health governance push: Dr Joseph has ordered closer scrutiny of Provincial Health Authorities, asking boards for deeper details on governance, finances and service delivery to improve accountability. HIV warning: Cardinal Sir John Ribat is calling for urgent action as PNG’s HIV epidemic worsens, warning prevention and investment have slipped and urging stronger awareness, testing, treatment and support. Oral health drive: Colgate PNG marks 15 years of National Tooth Brushing Day, reaching 484,265 students and teachers with oral hygiene education in partnership with the National Department of Health. Food and nutrition focus: Agriculture leaders are urging stronger partnerships and accountability to tackle PNG’s food security and nutrition challenges, with research and reliable data highlighted as key to policy and investment. Access barriers in remote areas: Communities in Kira LLG say lack of mobile network coverage delays emergency care and cuts families off from services and learning. Public health risk from water delays: Port Moresby’s water repair work is delayed after a landowner blockade, raising fears for the city’s water supply and health security.

Medicine supply overhaul: Papua New Guinea’s medicine crisis has been traced to five major failures in the national supply chain, with the Health Minister admitting drugs disappear before reaching patients and hospitals face empty shelves; reforms are now set against a June 30, 2027 deadline, alongside moves to lock in medicine funding and create a National Medicines Trust Fund. Health system accountability: The Health Minister has ordered closer scrutiny of Provincial Health Authorities, asking boards for deeper reporting on governance, finances, and service delivery to lift standards and oversight. HIV warning: Cardinal Sir John Ribat is calling for urgent action as PNG’s HIV epidemic worsens, saying prevention and investment have slipped and infection rates have risen over the past 14 years. Food and nutrition push: Agriculture and nutrition leaders are urging stronger multi-sector partnerships and research to tackle persistent food insecurity and nutrition gaps, with agriculture highlighted as a key driver of growth and jobs. Oral health campaign: Colgate PNG marks 15 years of National Tooth Brushing Day, reaching hundreds of thousands of students with oral hygiene education. Community access to care: In Kira, remote communities say lack of mobile network coverage delays emergency help and patient transport, calling it a basic service need. Public health risk from water: Port Moresby’s water repair work is delayed after a landowner blockade, raising fears for the city’s water supply and health security.

Medicine Supply Reform: PNG Health Minister Dr Billy Joseph says medicine reforms are due by June 30, 2027, after admitting drugs disappeared before reaching patients and provinces reported people turned away without medicines. Health Governance: Dr Joseph has ordered closer scrutiny of Provincial Health Authority Boards, demanding details on governance, finances and service delivery. HIV Urgent Call: Cardinal Sir John Ribat warns PNG’s HIV epidemic is worsening, urging renewed investment in prevention, treatment and public awareness. Oral Health Push: Colgate PNG marks 15 years of National Tooth Brushing Day, with nearly 485,000 students and teachers joining oral hygiene activities with the Department of Health. Community Access & Safety: In Kira, Northern Province, residents still lack mobile network coverage, delaying emergency help; meanwhile a marine pilot urges people to avoid unnecessary sea travel during rough monsoon weather. Food & Nutrition Focus: Agriculture leaders call for stronger partnerships and accountability to tackle PNG’s food security and nutrition challenges. Regional Health Aid: Fiji’s rare conjoined twins prepare for separation surgery in Saudi Arabia after multiple countries demanded large upfront payments.

Medicine supply overhaul: PNG Health Minister Dr Billy Joseph admits five major failures behind chronic drug shortages and sets a June 30, 2027 deadline for procurement and distribution reforms, after provinces reported patients turned away without medicines. Provincial accountability push: Dr Joseph also orders closer scrutiny of Provincial Health Authority Boards, demanding deeper reporting on governance, finances and service delivery. HIV warning: Cardinal Sir John Ribat calls for urgent action as PNG’s HIV infection rate is reported to have risen from 0.4% to 1.5%, with concerns over falling awareness and weaker prevention. Food and nutrition focus: Higher Education and Agriculture leaders urge stronger research partnerships to build a food-secure, nutrition-resilient PNG, pointing to agriculture as a driver of growth and rural livelihoods. Oral health campaign: Colgate PNG marks 15 years of National Tooth Brushing Day with hundreds of thousands of students and teachers, backed by the National Department of Health. Regional surgery support: Rare conjoined twins in Fiji prepare for separation surgery in Saudi Arabia after multiple countries asked for US$1m upfront, highlighting the cost barriers families face. Water risk in Port Moresby: Urgent pipeline repairs are delayed by a landowner blockade, raising health and security concerns for the city’s water supply.

Medicine supply overhaul: Health Minister Dr Billy Joseph admits PNG’s drug shortages stem from five major failures in the national supply chain and sets a June 30, 2027 deadline for procurement and distribution reforms, as provinces report patients turned away without medicines. Funding safeguards: PM Marape directs the Health Minister to “fix it” and move toward a National Medicines Trust Fund to protect the K392 million medicines budget and improve accountability. Provincial accountability: Dr Joseph orders closer scrutiny of Provincial Health Authority Boards, demanding detailed reporting on governance, finances and service delivery beyond routine management reports. HIV warning: Cardinal Sir John Ribat calls for urgent action as PNG’s HIV infection rate rises from 0.4% to 1.5%, urging renewed prevention, treatment and public awareness. Food security push: Agriculture and nutrition leaders call for stronger multi-sector partnerships and research-backed policies to build a food-secure, nutrition-resilient PNG. Public health risk: Port Moresby water repairs are delayed after a landowner blockade restricts access to a leaking pipeline that supplies more than half the city’s water. Regional health link: Australia and PNG highlight practical outcomes in Western Highlands, while PNG and China reaffirm cooperation including health.