In a significant step toward strengthening evidence-based health policy and programming, Papua New Guinea’s National Department of Health (NDoH), with support from the World Health Organization (WHO), has launched the Stage 2 Consultation Workshop on the National Health Research Agenda (NHRA) 2025–2030.
Held in Port Moresby, the two-day workshop brings together a diverse group of stakeholders, including representatives from provincial health authorities, research institutions, government agencies, clinicians, and development partners. The consultation aims to finalize the country’s health research priorities and chart a path for operationalizing the NHRA over the next five years.
The NHRA is a flagship initiative under the National Health Plan 2021–2030, designed to ensure that health research in Papua New Guinea is locally driven, strategically focused, and responsive to the country’s most pressing health challenges. It builds on the outcomes of the Stage 1 Consultation held in November 2024, where over 60 research questions were identified across six thematic domains.
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"The workshop is an opportunity to plan how to put our Agenda into action for the next five years. This is important because we want informed results that make our health system stronger and improve the lives of everyone in Papua New Guinea," said Mr. Pala Vanuga, Acting Deputy Secretary, National Health Planning & Corporate Services, NDoH.
The NRHA workshop is facilitated by the Performance, Monitoring and Research Branch of NDoH, with technical and logistical support from WHO’s Country Office in PNG and the Western Pacific Regional Office.
“These consultation marks the next critical step in advancing our shared work. Over the next two days, we have the important task of finalizing and prioritizing the research questions that will guide health research investment and action in the coming years. said Dr. Masahiro Zakoji, Team Leader for Resilient Health Systems and Healthier Populations at WHO PNG.
Participants will work collaboratively to refine and rank the proposed research topics, provide feedback on the draft NHRA document, and identify key enablers and barriers to implementation. Discussions will also focus on securing sustainable financing and fostering partnerships with central agencies and the private sector.
The outcomes of the consultation will directly support the implementation of the National Health Plan and Monitoring and Evaluation Strategic Plan, reinforcing the role of research in building a resilient and equitable health system for PNG.
NDoH extends its sincere appreciation to all participants for their commitment and contributions, and to WHO for its continued support. Together, we are shaping a research agenda that will strengthen our health system and improve the lives of all Papua New Guineans.