The World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Director for the Western Pacific, Dr Saia Ma’u Piukala, concluded a landmark visit to Papua New Guinea (PNG), underscoring the power of partnerships in advancing health outcomes across the region. The week-long mission, held from 1 to 8 June 2025, spotlighted WHO’s enduring collaboration with the Government of PNG, the National Department of Health (NDoH), Provincial Health Authorities (PHAs), the Australian Government, development partners, and PNG communities.
The visit marked a significant milestone in regional health collaboration with the official launch of the DFAT–WHO–NDoH Partnership (2025–2028)—a strategic initiative designed to strengthen health systems, enhance primary health care, and bolster emergency preparedness in Papua New Guinea. The launch event, attended by Health Minister Hon. Elias Kapavore, WHO Regional Director Dr Saia Ma’u Piukala, WHO Representative to PNG Dr Sevil Huseynova, and Australian High Commissioner HE Ewen McDonald, reaffirmed an internationally supported partnership that is firmly aligned with Papua New Guinea’s National Health Plan 2021–2030 and WHO’s Country Cooperation Strategy 2024–2028.
Throughout the visit, the Regional Director engaged in high-level meetings with key stakeholders, including the Minister for Health and the Australian High Commissioner. These discussions reinforced the importance of multisectoral collaboration in addressing public health challenges, including the ongoing polio outbreak response, where WHO has been working closely with NDoH and partners to develop a comprehensive response plan. This includes strengthening routine immunization and reprogramming internal resources to fill funding gaps.
A significant highlight of the visit was the Regional Director’s journey to Milne Bay Province, one of the provinces prioritized for primary health care (PHC) intensification. Dr Piukala met with Dr Perista Mamadi, CEO of the Milne Bay Provincial Health Authority to discuss strategies for reaching remote and island communities. Site visits included Alotau Provincial Hospital, East Cape Health Centre, Lelehudi Health Post, and the Gadudu Community Malaria Volunteer Site. These engagements showcased WHO-supported initiatives such as the training of Village Health Assistants (VHAs) and the integration of community-based disease surveillance, maternal health services, and frontline workforce development.
The visit also celebrated the cultural richness of PNG, with traditional welcomes and community events that emphasized the deep connection between health and local identity. These moments not only fostered goodwill but also amplified the voices of communities at the heart of health transformation—aligning with WHO’s regional vision of “Weaving the Mat”, which symbolizes collective action and shared responsibility in building resilient health systems.
As WHO continues to support PNG’s health priorities, the outcomes of this visit will serve as a catalyst for deeper engagement, stronger partnerships, and renewed momentum toward universal health coverage and the Sustainable Development Goals.