AGP Executive Report

HPV & Cervical Cancer: Papua New Guinea has launched HPV vaccination for girls aged 9–14, starting in NCD and Central, with school and health-facility delivery and a first-phase target of about 60,000 girls to prevent future cervical cancer. Cancer Care Access: PNG is positioning a new oncology and radiology centre in Port Moresby as a regional option for Pacific patients, aiming for subsidised local rates (with patients covering airfare). Health System Standards: The PNG Physiotherapy Association has handed the Health Department Lae’s first national physiotherapy standard-of-practice guideline booklet, aligning physio care with PNG settings. Snakebite Data Gap: Experts warn PNG still lacks reliable snakebite reporting, leaving a “silent crisis” in rural provinces where deaths may go unrecorded. Inclusion in Immunisation: Westpac WOWA winner Stella Ipang is recognised for embedding disability and social inclusion into PNG immunisation planning and accountability tools. Violence Response: Femili PNG has appointed Australia’s Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Commissioner Micaela Cronin to strengthen board support for survivor services. Local Health Needs: Calls continue for MPs to be accountable on-the-ground, with health centres and provincial hospitals still short on specialists and medicines.

HPV Vaccination Rollout: Papua New Guinea has launched HPV vaccination for girls aged 9–14, starting in NCD and Central, with school-based and outreach delivery aimed at about 60,000 girls to help prevent cervical cancer. Cancer Care Access: PNG says a new cancer centre in Port Moresby will open as a regional option for Pacific patients, with subsidised treatment costs and a push for referral links. Health System Standards: The PNG Physiotherapy Association has handed the Health Department the first national physiotherapy standard of practice and guideline booklet, tailored to PNG settings. Snakebite Data Gap: Health authorities are still struggling with unreliable snakebite reporting, leaving a “silent crisis” in rural provinces where deaths are often not recorded. GBV Support: Femili PNG has appointed Australia’s Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Commissioner Micaela Cronin to its board, strengthening links to medical care, safe houses and legal protection for survivors. Community Nutrition: BUK BILONG PIKININI launched nutrition guides for Literacy Week 2026, giving parents and communities practical tools to support child nutrition and learning. Crocodile Incident: A crocodile handler died after an attack at Adventure Park in Port Moresby, highlighting ongoing safety concerns around wildlife handling. Inclusion in Immunisation: Stella Ipang won Westpac Outstanding Women Awards for embedding GEDSI principles into PNG’s immunisation programmes, improving access for marginalised communities.

HPV Vaccination Rollout: Papua New Guinea has launched HPV vaccination for girls aged 9–14 at New Erima Primary School, starting with National Capital District and Central Province, aiming to reach about 60,000 girls in phase one through schools, health facilities and outreach. Cancer Care Expansion: PNG’s new oncology and radiology centre is set to open later this year, with Prime Minister James Marape saying Pacific patients (including Vanuatu) could access treatment in Port Moresby at subsidised local rates. Health System Standards: The Papua New Guinea Physiotherapy Association has handed the first National Physiotherapy Standard of Practice and Guideline booklet to the Health Department in Lae, marking a push toward clearer rehab care across PNG. Snakebite Data Gap: Health authorities are warning of a “silent crisis” as PNG still lacks reliable snakebite reporting, making it hard to track the true burden and respond effectively. Inclusive Health Leadership: Stella Ipang has won the 2026 Westpac Outstanding Women Awards for strengthening inclusive healthcare in PNG’s immunisation sector, including tools to improve access and accountability. Public Finance Modernisation: PNG signed a K26 million, three-year TechnologyOne deal to modernise the Integrated Financial Management System, which now connects health authorities and subnational governments. Violence Support in PNG: Australia’s Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Commissioner Micaela Cronin has joined the board of Femili PNG, which runs case management centres and safe houses linking survivors to medical and legal support. Local Health Access Call: A community-focused piece highlights missed opportunities in remote areas and urges MPs to prioritise real health services, not just speeches. Safety and Preparedness: A report notes the need for better law-and-order support at provincial and district level so development—including health services—can reach communities.

Cervical cancer prevention: PNG’s Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine rollout kicked off in the National Capital District at New Erima Primary School, with free vaccination for eligible girls (9–14) through schools, health facilities and outreach, targeting 60,000 in phase one. Inclusive healthcare leadership: PATH’s Stella Ipang won the 2026 Westpac Outstanding Women Awards for embedding gender equality, disability and social inclusion into PNG immunisation systems. Snakebite warning: A PNG Snakebite Partnership Project says reliable snakebite data is still missing, leaving authorities to respond to a “silent crisis” in rural provinces. Regional cancer access: PNG says a new cancer centre in Port Moresby is set to open for Pacific patients, offering subsidised treatment rates for places like Vanuatu. Physiotherapy standards: PNG Physiotherapy Association handed the first national physiotherapy standard of practice and guideline booklet to the Health Department in Lae. Violence support: Australia’s Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Commissioner Micaela Cronin joined Femili PNG’s board, strengthening services for survivors via case management centres and safe houses. Public finance modernization: PNG signed a K26m, three-year TechnologyOne deal to modernise the Integrated Financial Management System, improving real-time tracking across provinces and health authorities. Safety and health risks: A child was treated in hospital after an alligator attack in Florida’s restricted waters, underscoring the need for strict safety compliance around hazards.

HPV Vaccination Push: Papua New Guinea’s HPV vaccine rollout kicked off at New Erima Primary School in NCD, with free doses for girls aged 9–14 through schools, health facilities and outreach, aiming to reach 60,000 in the first phase to prevent cervical cancer. Cancer Care Expansion: PNG says a new cancer centre in Port Moresby is set to open for all Pacific patients, with subsidised treatment costs for people from places like Vanuatu. Snakebite Warning: Health groups say PNG still lacks reliable snakebite data, leaving a “silent crisis” in rural areas where deaths are often unreported, ahead of International Snakebite Awareness Day on September 19. Physiotherapy Standards: PNG Physiotherapy Association has delivered the first National Physiotherapy Standard of Practice and Guideline booklet to the Health Department in Lae to guide care in PNG settings. Inclusive Health Recognition: Stella Ipang won the 2026 Westpac Outstanding Women Awards for strengthening inclusive healthcare and embedding GEDSI into PNG immunisation programmes. Violence Response Link: Australia’s inaugural Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Commissioner, Micaela Cronin, has joined the board of Femili PNG, supporting survivor services including medical care and safe houses. Nutrition for Learning: Buk Bilong Pikinini launched parent-focused child nutrition guides for Literacy Week 2026, aiming to improve nutritional literacy in families and communities. Pacemaker Basics: A new public guide explains what pacemakers are, why people need them, and what life can look like after implantation. Community Health Access Call: A local op-ed highlights a case of three brothers carrying their seriously ill sister to reach medical care, arguing that roads only matter when health services reach every corner. Workplace Safety Tragedy: A crocodile handler died after an attack at Adventure Park in Port Moresby, renewing calls for safer handling and emergency readiness around wildlife.

Cancer Care Access: PNG says a new cancer centre in Port Moresby will open to patients across the Pacific, with Ni-Vanuatu treatment expected at subsidised local rates (airfare only) and the facility aiming to be fully operational by year-end. HPV Vaccination Push: The HPV vaccine program has launched in NCD at New Erima Primary School, with free doses for eligible girls (9–14) rolling out through schools, health facilities and outreach, targeting 60,000 girls in the first phase. Rehab Standards: PNG’s Physiotherapy Association has handed the Health Department the first national physiotherapy standard of practice and guideline booklet, meant to align care with world standards in PNG settings. Inclusive Health Leadership: Stella Ipang has won the 2026 Westpac Outstanding Women Awards overall, recognised for embedding gender equality, disability and social inclusion into PNG immunisation and health accountability tools. Workplace Safety Tragedy: A senior crocodile handler died after a feeding demonstration at Adventure Park in Port Moresby; the park says it’s launching a full internal review and police euthanised the crocodile during the rescue. Digital Health-Adjacent Governance: PNG signed a three-year K26m agreement with TechnologyOne to support and expand its integrated financial management system nationwide, improving public service administration capacity.

HPV Vaccine Rollout: Papua New Guinea’s HPV vaccination programme has officially launched in NCD at New Erima Primary School, aiming to protect girls and young women aged 9–14 against cervical cancer, with Phase 1 delivered through schools, health facilities and outreach before expanding to other provinces. Inclusive Health Leadership: PATH’s Stella Ipang has been named the 2026 Westpac Outstanding Women Awards overall winner, recognised for embedding Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion into PNG immunisation systems, including tools for Provincial Health Authorities to improve access and accountability. Workplace Safety & Emergency Care: A senior crocodile handler at Adventure Park in Port Moresby died after a feeding demonstration attack on 5 September, when the crocodile held his legs for more than an hour; he was taken to 3 Mile General Hospital but later passed away, prompting the park to launch an internal review of animal handling and safety protocols. Public Health Research: PNG researchers have identified a large diversity of insect-specific viruses in Culex mosquitoes, mapping 231 viral species across multiple provinces—useful for understanding local mosquito ecosystems and future disease preparedness. Health System Capacity: The PNG government has signed a three-year K26m agreement with TechnologyOne to support and expand the nationwide Integrated Financial Management System, strengthening long-term operations, cybersecurity and staff development across provinces and districts.

Wildlife Safety Tragedy: A senior crocodile keeper at Adventure Park in Port Moresby died after a feeding demonstration on Sept 5. Witnesses say the crocodile clamped onto his legs and dragged him into the pool, with bystanders and staff trying to free him while police and St John Ambulance responded. The park says the crocodile was euthanised during the rescue and it has closed and launched an internal review of animal handling and feeding procedures. Health Services & Preparedness: PNG’s Minister for Health and National Emergency Services Dr Billy Joseph says the country must shift from reactive disaster response to preparedness, including trained personnel, logistics, communication systems, and detailed emergency plans. Cardiac Care in the Region: Fiji’s Sri Sathya Sai Sanjeevani Heart Hospital is expanding free paediatric cardiac services across the Pacific, including recent treatment for children from Solomon Islands and Kiribati. Local Health Recognition: A Namibian nurse, Josephine Angula of Bethesda Medical Centre, is a finalist for a global nursing award, highlighting the role of primary care in underserved communities. Public Health Research: Researchers report insect-specific viruses in PNG Culex mosquitoes, mapping a diverse hidden viral world that could inform future disease understanding. Sports With Medical Staff: PNG Binatangs and Kurakums junior AFL squads name medical officials for upcoming Queensland carnivals, underscoring ongoing focus on player wellbeing.

Crocodile Tragedy in Port Moresby: A senior animal keeper died after a crocodile attack during an unscheduled feeding demonstration at Adventure Park on Sept 5. Witnesses say the croc seized his legs and dragged him into the pool; he was taken to 3 Mile General Hospital but died early Sept 6. Police euthanised the crocodile during the rescue, and the park has closed while it launches a full internal review of safety and animal-handling procedures. Disaster Readiness Push: PNG’s Health and National Emergency Services Minister Dr Billy Joseph says the country must shift from reactive disaster response to preparedness, with trained staff, logistics, communications, emergency plans, and provincial disaster centres meeting detailed readiness standards. Digital Finance Upgrade: PNG signed a three-year K26m agreement with TechnologyOne to support and secure its nationwide Integrated Financial Management System rollout across all 22 provinces, including maintenance, cybersecurity, cloud services, and a next phase adding AI-based plain-language interaction for financial records. Cardiac Care Across the Pacific: Fiji’s Sri Sathya Sai Sanjeevani Heart Hospital is expanding free paediatric cardiac services, reporting 56,000+ heart screenings and recent interventional procedures that can help children return home sooner. Nursing Recognition: A Namibian nurse, Josephine Angula of Bethesda Medical Centre, is a top-10 finalist for the Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award 2026, with a Papua New Guinea nurse also among finalists. PNG Sports Review: PNG Hunters have started an independent review of this year’s Hostplus Cup performance, with former Queensland Rugby League administrator Rob Moore set to examine coaching, medical support, and player wellbeing.

Workplace Safety Tragedy (PNG): A crocodile attack at Adventure Park in Port Moresby killed a senior animal keeper after the reptile clamped onto his legs during a feeding demonstration; he was rushed to 3 Mile General Hospital but died early Sunday, with police shooting the crocodile and the park closing while it reviews crocodile handling and feeding procedures. Public Health & Preparedness (PNG): Health Minister Dr Billy Joseph says PNG must shift from reactive disaster response to preparedness, calling for trained personnel, logistics, emergency plans and stronger provincial disaster-management readiness. Climate Risk Planning (PNG): A multi-agency El Niño assessment led by IOM with the National Disaster Centre will map impacts across water, sanitation, food security, health, education, shelter and protection to guide where help is most needed. Mosquito-Borne Virus Research (PNG): Researchers report insect-specific viruses in PNG Culex mosquitoes, finding 231 viral species across 38 families, highlighting a largely unexplored viral world that could inform future public health thinking. Cardiac Care (Pacific): Fiji’s Sri Sathya Sai Sanjeevani Heart Hospital is expanding child heart screening and treatment across the Pacific, including recent procedures for children from multiple island countries. Digital Health Access (PNG): PNG has cleared 5G spectrum for mobile operators, a step that could support faster connectivity for health services and outreach. Leadership & Justice (PNG): The swearing-in of PNG’s first female Public Prosecutor Helen Roalakona is being hailed as a milestone for women’s leadership in the legal system.

Disaster Preparedness Push: PNG Health Minister Dr Billy Joseph says the country must shift from reactive disaster response to preparedness, early action and risk reduction, stressing trained personnel, logistics, communications and detailed medical emergency plans that are still missing in many provincial centres. El Niño Risk Mapping: An IOM-led multi-agency assessment is underway to track how El Niño is affecting water, sanitation, food security, health, education, shelter and displacement, so provincial and district authorities can target help based on what communities report. Cardiac Care Expansion: Fiji’s Sri Sathya Sai Sanjeevani Heart Hospital is expanding free paediatric cardiac services across the Pacific, with school and rural outreach screenings and recent interventional procedures that can help children return home sooner. Mosquito Virus Discovery: Researchers report a large, diverse set of insect-specific viruses in PNG Culex mosquitoes, mapping 231 viral species and highlighting the scale of viral life that doesn’t spill into humans. HIV Services Still Uneven: In remote PNG, people living with HIV struggle to access treatment because lower-level facilities lack trained staff; a new training package aims to bring testing and care closer to communities. PHA Health System Milestone: PNG’s provincial health authority rollout is now complete, bringing hospital and rural services under one structure to improve coordination and workforce planning. Workplace Safety Tragedy: A crocodile attack at Adventure Park in Port Moresby killed a wildlife worker after he was trapped in the jaws for more than an hour; he died at 3 Mile General Hospital and the park closed. 5G Spectrum Cleared: PNG’s telecom regulator has opened 2.6 GHz and 3.5 GHz spectrum for licensing, supporting rollout of next-generation mobile services that can strengthen health communications.

Crocodile Tragedy: A wildlife worker died after a crocodile attack during a feeding demonstration at Adventure Park in Port Moresby. Witnesses say the man was dragged into the water with his legs trapped for more than an hour, police shot the crocodile, and he later died at 3 Mile General Hospital; the park has closed until further notice. El Niño Health Warning: PNG health and emergency officials are rolling out an IOM-led multi-agency assessment to map how El Niño is affecting water, sanitation, food security, health services, shelter and displacement—so support can target the most at-risk communities. HIV Care Gap in Remote Areas: People living with HIV in far-flung parts of PNG still struggle to access treatment because lower-level facilities lack trained staff; a new training package is being developed to strengthen HIV testing and care at primary facilities. NCDPHA Lifestyle Medicine Push: Port Moresby’s NCDPHA is promoting lifestyle medicine and stronger primary care to tackle rising non-communicable diseases, focusing on nutrition, physical activity, stress management and prevention. Catholic Health Equipment Boost: Catholic Church Health Services received eight portable ventilators for rural facilities and referrals, with staff training planned to improve emergency and transport care. Governance & Health System: PNG’s provincial health authority rollout is complete, aiming to bring planning and service delivery closer to communities and address health workforce and infrastructure gaps.

Wildlife Safety & Emergency Care: A wildlife worker died after a crocodile attack during a feeding demonstration at Adventure Park in Port Moresby. He was taken to 3 Mile General Hospital but died around 7am Sunday after being dragged into the water; eyewitnesses say the crocodile held his legs for more than an hour while bystanders tried to help and St John Ambulance was contacted. The park has closed indefinitely as staff mourn. Climate & Health Risk: Papua New Guinea is rolling out an IOM-led El Niño assessment with the National Disaster Centre to map where fuel shortages, water and sanitation stress, food insecurity and health impacts are hitting hardest, so provincial and district authorities can target preparedness and response. HIV Services in Remote Areas: People living with HIV in far-flung parts of PNG still struggle to access treatment because lower-level facilities lack trained staff and service capacity; a new training package is being developed for nurses and primary healthcare workers to bring testing and care closer to communities. NCD Prevention Push: NCDPHA is promoting lifestyle medicine and stronger primary care in Port Moresby to tackle rising non-communicable diseases, including diabetes and hypertension, through nutrition, physical activity and preventive care. Rural Respiratory Support: Catholic Church Health Services says eight portable ventilators will be distributed to facilities including Nonga General Hospital and Raihu District Hospital, with staff trained to use the equipment and support referrals.

Medical Equipment Boost: Catholic Church Health Services in PNG is receiving eight portable ventilators, with four going to Nonga General Hospital (Rabaul), two to Raihu District Hospital (Aitape, West Sepik), and two to the Centre of Mercy Health facility in Lae—plus staff training to help rural facilities manage referrals. HIV Services Access: People living with HIV in remote PNG areas are still struggling to get treatment because lower-level facilities lack trained staff; Centre of Mercy Catholic Church Health Services says a new five-day training package is being developed to equip nurses and primary health workers to deliver HIV testing and care closer to communities. NCD Prevention Push: NCDPHA is promoting lifestyle medicine and stronger primary care in Port Moresby, focusing on nutrition, physical activity, stress management and prevention to tackle the rising burden of non-communicable diseases. Health System Governance: PNG’s provincial health authority rollout is now complete, bringing hospital and rural services under one structure to improve coordination, planning and workforce recruitment—aimed at addressing major health worker shortages and infrastructure gaps. Disaster Readiness (El Niño): A multi-agency El Niño assessment led by IOM with the National Disaster Centre is rolling out to map where communities need help most, covering water and sanitation, food security, health, education, shelter and protection. Workplace Safety Incident: A worker was mauled by a crocodile at Adventure Park in Port Moresby and rushed to 3 Mile General Hospital after police shot the animal to free him.

El Niño response planning: Papua New Guinea is rolling out a multi-agency El Niño assessment led by IOM with the National Disaster Centre to map where communities need help most, covering water and sanitation, food security, health, education, shelter, displacement and protection. Health system strengthening: The NCD Provincial Health Authority is pushing lifestyle medicine and stronger primary care in Port Moresby to tackle non-communicable diseases, citing rising diabetes and high blood pressure. HIV access in remote areas: People living with HIV in far-flung parts of PNG are still struggling to get treatment because lower-level facilities lack trained staff and service capacity; a new training package is being developed for nurses and primary health workers. Medical equipment boost: Catholic Church Health Services facilities are receiving eight portable ventilators, with staff training included to support rural referrals and patient transport. Workplace safety incident: A wildlife worker was mauled by a crocodile at Adventure Park in Port Moresby; police shot the animal to free him and he was taken to 3 Mile General Hospital. Local health leadership: Former NCDPHA CEO Dr Steven Yennie has been cleared of all criminal charges after the District Court dismissed the case. NCDPHA leadership focus: NCDPHA also highlighted lifestyle medicine through a symposium, while broader health governance continues with the completed provincial health authority rollout across all provinces.

5G Spectrum Move: PNG’s telecom regulator (NICTA) has cleared spectrum in the 2.6 GHz and 3.5 GHz bands for licensing, aiming to give operators the certainty to plan and invest in next-gen mobile networks. Health System Reform: PNG has completed the provincial health authority (PHA) rollout nationwide, bringing hospital and rural services under one structure to improve coordination and local decision-making. HIV Access Gap: People living with HIV in remote PNG areas still struggle to reach treatment because lower-level facilities lack trained staff and service capacity; a new training package is being developed for nurses and primary health workers. NCD Prevention Push: NCDPHA in Port Moresby is promoting lifestyle medicine and stronger primary care to tackle rising non-communicable diseases, including diabetes and hypertension. Ventilator Support for Rural Care: Catholic Church Health Services has received eight portable ventilators for facilities including Nonga General Hospital and Raihu District Hospital, with staff training planned to expand use. Anti-Money Laundering Bills: Justice Minister Pila Niningi tabled three bills to strengthen PNG’s anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing systems, with MPs linking reforms to jobs and getting off the FATF grey list. Court Clears Former Health CEO: The District Court dismissed all criminal charges against former NCDPHA CEO Dr Steven Yennie, ordering an immediate refund of bail money.