AGP Executive Report

Cancer Care: Port Moresby General Hospital’s medical director says cancer services must combine community awareness, screening and treatment. Many patients arrive with advanced disease; early detection could improve outcomes, particularly for cervical cancer. Child Welfare: NOCFS and partner agencies have begun Phase 4 of the street children program in Port Moresby, focusing on awareness and parental engagement. Earlier phases identified and supported about 235 children, including referrals to health services. Health Funding: The National Economic and Fiscal Commission is studying service costs across 20 provincial health authorities to help align funding with local needs. At the same time, health financing proposals are prompting debate over new taxes versus better use and oversight of existing budgets. Nutrition: Simbu health workers are receiving training to manage acute malnutrition, with a focus on young children and pregnant mothers. Cervical Cancer Prevention: Health advocates are urging a fully funded national HPV vaccination program, alongside screening and early treatment.

Child Nutrition: A World Bank update says 47.6% of children under five in Papua New Guinea are stunted, among the highest rates reported. In Simbu, health workers are receiving training to treat acute malnutrition in children and support pregnant mothers. Disease Prevention: Recent polio detections in Papua New Guinea underline the need to sustain immunisation, as vaccine-preventable diseases continue to threaten under-vaccinated communities. Health Funding: Officials are calling for funding that reflects the real cost of care across provinces, alongside stronger accountability. A national health conference also highlighted shortages of medicines, equipment and reliable facilities, and urged reforms to improve services. Women’s Health: Health advocates want a fully funded national HPV vaccination programme, with free vaccines and stronger access to screening and early treatment to prevent cervical cancer.

Haze and Respiratory Health: Forest and land fires in South Papua have generated 3,624 hotspots, with residents reporting breathing problems and red eyes. Boven Digoel has declared an emergency through October 21 as hazardous haze spreads. Health Funding: A debate is growing over how to pay for better care. Manufacturers oppose new taxes on tobacco, alcohol and sugary drinks, arguing that existing funds need stronger oversight; health advocates say dedicated levies could support primary care. Accountability and Services: The National Economic and Fiscal Commission is studying costs across 20 provincial health authorities to help align funding with local needs. The review comes amid persistent shortages of medicines, equipment and reliable facilities. Child Nutrition: Simbu health workers are receiving training to treat acute malnutrition, with a focus on children under five and pregnant mothers. Cervical Cancer: Health leaders are calling for a fully funded national HPV vaccination programme, alongside screening and early treatment.

Regional Health Mission: An Indonesian Navy hospital ship provided free eye, dental, radiology and heart-screening services to 504 people in Fiji; its Pacific programme also includes a planned visit to Papua New Guinea. Child Nutrition: Simbu PHA has begun five days of training to help health workers identify and treat severe malnutrition among children under five and pregnant mothers. Health Funding: At the National Health Conference, NEFC called for funding that reflects the differing costs of delivering care across provinces; a study covering 20 provincial health authorities is planned. Cancer Prevention: Health advocates are urging PNG to fully fund HPV vaccination for girls and young women, alongside screening and early treatment. Climate Risks: UNICEF warns El Niño could bring drought and water shortages to PNG, raising risks of malnutrition and disease for children.

Child Nutrition: Simbu PHA has launched five days of training to help health workers treat severe child malnutrition, supporting a programme for children under five and pregnant mothers. Health Funding: NEFC says funding must reflect the actual cost of services across provinces and is studying costs and capacity in 20 provincial health authorities. Cancer Prevention: Health leaders are calling for a fully funded national HPV vaccination programme, alongside wider screening and early treatment for cervical cancer. System Pressures: Health Secretary Pascoe Kase says shortages of staff and medical supplies, weak infrastructure maintenance and gaps in primary care need urgent attention as PNG reviews its national health plan. Climate Risks: UNICEF warns the coming El Niño could worsen drought, water shortages, malnutrition and disease risks for children in Papua New Guinea.

Cancer Care: Papua New Guinea Tamil Sanggam donated 10 wheelchairs and K30,000 worth of supplies to Port Moresby General Hospital’s children’s cancer ward, supporting young patients and their caregivers. Climate and Health: UNICEF warns that the coming El Niño could bring drought and water shortages to PNG, with risks including malnutrition and disease. In Western Province, low river levels are already disrupting food and fuel deliveries. Health System: Health leaders say PNG must use the remaining five years of its national health plan to address staff and medicine shortages, strengthen primary care and improve accountability. The country has about one doctor per 1,000 people, while TB, HIV, malaria, diabetes and heart disease remain major burdens. Early Detection: Health professionals are urging people to watch for subtle oral cancer warning signs, including persistent white patches, rough tissue and mouth tightness.

Cancer Care: Papua New Guinea Tamil Sanggam donated 10 wheelchairs and supplies worth K30,000 to Port Moresby General Hospital’s children’s cancer ward, supporting young patients and their families. El Niño and Drought: UNICEF warns the coming El Niño could bring water shortages, malnutrition and disease outbreaks; PNG is among countries facing drier conditions. The government has declared a humanitarian emergency, with about 5.5 million people affected, exposed or at high risk and health authorities reporting greater risks of diarrhoea, typhoid and malnutrition. Health System Reset: Health Secretary Pascoe Kase says a review found persistent workforce and medical-supply shortages, and called for stronger primary care, infrastructure maintenance and provincial management. Health Minister Billy Joseph urged accountability as immunisation and facility births remain concerns. Cancer Awareness: A Kina Bank awareness session urged staff to seek advice about breast changes and use available cervical cancer screening services.

El Niño Alert: UNICEF warns the 2026–27 cycle could threaten 347 million children worldwide with water shortages, malnutrition and disease outbreaks; Papua New Guinea is among countries at risk of drier conditions. Drought Emergency: PNG’s disaster minister says drought affects or threatens about 5.5 million people, with 20 of 22 provincial-level areas reporting severe or extreme conditions. Health authorities warn of increased risks of diarrhoea, typhoid, malaria, skin infections and malnutrition. Health System Reset: Health Secretary Pascoe Kase says PNG still faces major shortages, including one doctor per 1,000 people, while most people live in rural areas with limited access to health workers. Priorities include primary care, infrastructure upkeep and reliable medical supplies. Maternal Care: An ultrasound scanner has been provided for maternal services in Eastern Highlands, according to a report title. Cancer Awareness: Kina Bank’s awareness session urged women to seek medical advice for breast changes and use available cervical cancer screening. A Year of Hope: Sawong Kevin, who survived separation surgery after being born conjoined, celebrated his first birthday; his twin brother Tom died after the operation in Sydney.

A Year of Hope: Sawong Kevin, the surviving twin separated in surgery in Australia, celebrated his first birthday in Morobe. His twin brother Tom died after the operation; a Port Moresby hospital had cared for the family free of charge before they travelled. El Niño Health Risks: UNICEF warns the 2026–27 cycle could bring drought, water shortages, malnutrition and disease outbreaks. Papua New Guinea is among the countries forecast to face drier conditions, while drought has already become a humanitarian emergency, with millions affected and health risks including diarrhoea, malaria and malnutrition. Health System Reset: Health leaders say the review of the national plan found persistent gaps in rural staffing, medical supplies, infrastructure and primary care. Tuberculosis, HIV and malaria remain widespread, and officials say facility births and immunisation need urgent attention. Cancer Awareness: A Kina Bank session urged staff to seek early advice about breast changes and use cervical screening services, as health advocates call for stronger funding and action on cancer.

Drought Emergency: PNG has declared a national humanitarian emergency as El Niño drought threatens water, food and health services. About 5.5 million people are affected or at risk, with 20 of 22 provinces reporting severe or extreme drought; health authorities warn of rising risks from diarrhoea, malaria and malnutrition. Children at Risk: UNICEF says PNG is among countries likely to face drier conditions, with water scarcity worsening displacement and acute malnutrition. The agency warns the wider Asia-Pacific could see 190 million children exposed to unusually wet or dry conditions. Health System Reset: Health leaders are reviewing the national plan after identifying persistent gaps in primary care, medical supplies and workforce distribution. Secretary Pascoe Kase says PNG has just one doctor per 1,000 people, while most residents live in rural areas. Cancer Awareness: Kina Bank staff received breast and cervical cancer education from Port Moresby General Hospital and the Cancer Foundation, with doctors urging women to use screening services and seek care for unusual changes.

Health System Reset: Health Secretary Pascoe Kase says PNG has five years left in its national health plan to tackle staff shortages, weak medicine distribution and poor infrastructure. The country has about one doctor per 1,000 people, while Health Minister Billy Joseph says facility births, immunisation and disease control remain off track. Drought and Health Risks: The Government has declared a humanitarian emergency as drought affects an estimated 5.5 million people. Health authorities warn of rising risks of diarrhoea, typhoid, malaria and malnutrition as water supplies and gardens fail. UNICEF also identifies PNG among countries facing drier conditions, with children at risk of water shortages and hunger. Cancer Funding: Health advocates are urging stronger funding for cancer awareness, early detection and treatment. Breast cancer is PNG’s second most common cancer among women, after cervical cancer. Oral Health: Health specialists warn that painless white patches, rough tissue or stinging in the mouth can signal serious disease, including precancerous conditions; betel nut and tobacco use are major risks.

Drought Emergency: PNG has declared a national humanitarian emergency, with about 5.5 million people affected or at risk. Health authorities warn of rising risks of diarrhoea, typhoid, malaria, skin infections and malnutrition as water supplies and gardens fail. Hospital Pressures: Goroka Provincial Specialist Hospital says just 50 doctors serve a province of more than 900,000 people, while staff and medicine shortages strain emergency care. Oral Health: White patches, rough areas or a stinging mouth can signal serious disease, including precancerous conditions; long-term betel nut and tobacco use raises the risk, and early checks matter. Care and Prevention: New ultrasound equipment is being introduced for maternal care in Eastern Highlands, while Morobe has begun routine distribution of insecticide-treated bed nets. PNG and Japan have also launched a malaria research project. Access to Care: City Pharmacy founder Sir Mahesh Patel says healthcare remains unaffordable for many and has called for a model that helps more people access treatment.

Drought Emergency: PNG has declared a national humanitarian emergency, with 20 of 22 provincial divisions facing severe or extreme drought. About 5.5 million people are affected, exposed or at risk. Authorities warn of rising diarrhoea, typhoid, malaria, skin infections and malnutrition as water supplies and gardens fail. Hospital Pressure: Goroka Provincial Specialist Hospital has 50 doctors for a population exceeding 900,000, with staff and medicine shortages adding to long waits in its overstretched emergency department. Oral Health: White patches, roughness or tightness in the mouth can signal serious disease, including precancerous changes. Health specialists urge people—especially betel nut and tobacco users—to seek checks early. Colgate-Palmolive has also renewed three years of support for Cheshire disAbility Services, including oral-health programmes. Maternal Care: A new ultrasound scanner is being introduced to strengthen maternal services in Eastern Highlands. Malaria Prevention: Morobe has begun routine distribution of insecticide-treated bed nets, while PNG and Japan have launched research aimed at eliminating malaria. Affordable Care: City Pharmacy founder Sir Mahesh Patel says healthcare remains beyond reach for many and has called for a more affordable service model.

Humanitarian Emergency: Papua New Guinea has declared a national emergency as El Niño-driven drought threatens water, food, health services and education across all four regions. In Chimbu, communities report dried-up water sources, dwindling food and cases of diarrhoea and influenza linked to unsafe drinking water. Hospital Pressures: Goroka Provincial Specialist Hospital has 50 doctors for a population of more than 900,000, with overcrowding, staff shortages and gaps in medicines adding pressure on emergency care. Maternal Care: A new ultrasound scanner at ANC Kama Clinic in Goroka is expected to improve pregnancy monitoring, early diagnosis and referrals. Malaria Prevention: Morobe has begun routine distribution of insecticide-treated nets in Markham and Nawaeb to protect households from malaria.

Humanitarian Drought Crisis: Papua New Guinea has declared a national humanitarian emergency as El Niño-driven drought worsens water shortages, food insecurity and health service strain, with Highlands communities reporting hunger and rising illness risk. Biosecurity Boost: Australia is backing a new PCR testing facility at the PNG Biosecurity Authority’s National Veterinary Laboratory in Port Moresby to speed up diagnosis of plant and animal threats and protect agriculture and exports. Maternal Care Upgrade: A new ultrasound scanner and equipment have arrived for the ANC Kama Clinic in Goroka, aiming to improve early diagnosis, monitoring and referrals for expectant mothers in Eastern Highlands. Malaria Prevention Push: Morobe Province has begun routine distribution of insecticide-treated bed nets to strengthen household protection and reduce malaria transmission. Health Workforce Pressure: Eastern Highlands’ Goroka Provincial Specialist Hospital is facing emergency department complaints tied to overcrowding, staffing shortages and limited medicines, highlighting the need for more health workers and supplies. Water, Health and Governance Call: Opposition leader James Nomane urged citizens to speak up on issues like whether aid posts have medicine and whether clean water is available, linking service delivery gaps to wider economic and institutional problems. Regional Health Support: Indonesia’s naval mission to Solomon Islands includes medicines and medical equipment, with visits planned for Vanuatu, Fiji, Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea.

Climate & Child Health: UNICEF warns El Niño could put 347 million children in nearly 100 countries at risk of floods, drought, malnutrition, water shortages and disease outbreaks, with PNG and Fiji among those facing drier conditions that can worsen acute malnutrition. Pacific Climate Accountability: Young people from Australia and the Pacific urged Australia to “turn commitments into action” ahead of COP31, calling out continued fossil-fuel expansion. Maternal Care Upgrade (PNG): Eastern Highlands Province received a new ultrasound scanner and equipment for the ANC Kama Clinic in Goroka, aiming to improve early diagnosis, monitoring and referrals for expectant mothers. Emergency Department Strain (PNG): Eastern Highlands Provincial Health Authority says Goroka’s specialist hospital emergency unit is overwhelmed, citing too few doctors, nurses and supplies, plus reduced night staffing and long waits after social media complaints. Malaria Prevention (PNG): Morobe launched routine distribution of insecticide-treated bed nets across Markham and Nawaeb to strengthen malaria control. PNG–Japan Health Research: PNG and Japan began a five-year project to strengthen health systems and eliminate malaria, with East Sepik as a main field site. Governance & Service Delivery: Opposition Leader James Nomane calls for an end to “PNG Time,” linking delays to wider problems including healthcare and medicine shortages. Health Support in the Region: Indonesia’s naval vessel KRI WSH-991 will visit Solomon Islands and other Pacific countries carrying medicines, medical equipment and community assistance.