Papua New Guinea continues to strengthen its national health systems through collaborative, multisectoral efforts under the One Health approach. As part of this commitment, the country has made significant progress in health security planning and assessment, with strong support from international and local partners.
“The One Health Planning Committee has been spearheading health security initiatives since its establishment in September 2024. I am grateful to the WHO, our partners and my government counterparts in the One Health space for their support in delivering the IHR State Party Self-Assessment Report in February 2025. This is a significant step towards safeguarding our nation's health security" said Mr. Barry Ropa, Health Security and Surveillance Branch Manager, PNG National Department of Health (NDoH).
This milestone reflects the growing momentum behind the One Health Approach in PNG, which recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environment health. It also highlights the importance of coordinated action in preparing for and responding to public health threats.
Mr. Ropa was part of the participants of the one-day training on advancing One Health Approach through the Public Health Lens. The interactive training session was hosted by the NDoH Environmental Health Branch, Food Safety and Quarantine Program and facilitated by the WHO Western Pacific Regional Office Technical Officer for One Health and Zoonotic Diseases, Dr Jessica Kayamori Lopes.
The One Health training session aimed to promote awareness, understanding, and practical application of the One Health approach in public health programs. A key feature of the session was a table-top simulation exercise that illustrated the complexity of food-related emergencies. It emphasized the importance of multi-sectoral collaboration, shared responsibilities, and coordinated efforts both within and beyond the health sector.
The diverse participants included representatives from the National Department of Agriculture & Livestock, National Agriculture & Quarantine Inspection Authority, National Capital District Commission, Papua New Guinea Defense Force, University of Natural Resources and Environment, Burnet Institute, FHI 360, University of Newcastle and the various divisions, branches and programs within the National Department of Health including Population & Healthier Communities Division, Environmental Health, Health Promotion, Health Security, Human Resources, Legal, Monitoring & Research Branch and Programs: Food Safety, Immunization, Malaria, Neglected Tropical Diseases, Water & Sanitation, Women’s Health and Women’s Sexual Reproductive Health.
The WHO support was also extended to complete the national assessment of the food safety control system, support the development of the National Food Safety Roadmap, and deliver a second training session on integrating the WHO Traditional Food Markets Initiative into safer marketplaces in the National Capital District. These activities were supported by the Government of Japan and the Korean Government.
Together we are working towards building a healthier future for Papua New Guinea!