The World Health Organization (WHO) in Papua New Guinea is leading a high-level mission to Milne Bay Province, reaffirming its commitment to strengthening primary health care (PHC) and ensuring equitable access to essential services—especially in rural, remote, and island communities.
Led by WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific, Dr Saia Ma’u Piukala, the mission highlights Milne Bay as a priority province for PHC transformation. In partnership with the National Department of Health (NDoH) and the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), WHO is supporting efforts to revitalize frontline health services, improve health system coordination, and empower local health workers to deliver care where it is needed most.
Milne Bay’s health system spans a wide network—from Alotau Provincial Hospital (Level 5) to community health posts and village health assistants (VHAs)—serving a geographically dispersed population. WHO has been instrumental in supporting the training of VHAs to integrate disease-specific volunteer roles into a more coordinated PHC workforce. This approach is complemented by efforts to improve funding flows to frontline facilities, enabling greater autonomy and responsiveness to community needs.
During the visit, the WHO delegation will engage with key provincial leaders, including Dr. Perista Mamadi, CEO of the Milne Bay Provincial Health Authority, and representatives from the Provincial Administration. They will conduct site visits to the Provincial Hospital, St Barnabas School of Nursing, and selected health centers and communities, where WHO will observe firsthand the challenges and innovations shaping health service delivery at provincial level.
The mission also underscores the importance of local leadership, cultural identity, and community participation in building resilient health systems. By working closely with the Milne Bay Provincial Health Authority and community stakeholders, WHO aims to co-develop practical, community-driven solutions that align with national strategies and the broader goal of achieving Universal Health Coverage.
This visit is part of WHO’s ongoing support to Papua New Guinea in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals and ensuring that no one is left behind—no matter how remote their village may be.