Papua New Guinea today launched the National High-Level Advocacy Workshop on Health Promotion and the Healthy Islands Concept, a landmark initiative aimed at revitalising health promotion as a central pillar of the national health system.
Held at Lamana Hotel from 30 June to 4 July, the five-day workshop convenes over 60 participants from all 22 Provincial Health Authorities (PHAs), the National Department of Health (NDOH), and key development partners, including civil society organisations.
The event is co-hosted with the University of the Philippines’ School of Public Health, who are leading workshop facilitation and contributing technical expertise and global best practices to support the development of a national health promotion strategy.
Workshop Highlights
- National-level participation from all 22 PHAs
- Focus on revitalizing the Healthy Islands vision
- Strategic realignment from curative to preventive care
- Integration of PRSEAH principles into health promotion policies
The workshop was officially opened by Acting Secretary of Health, Mr. Ken Wai, who emphasized the importance of placing health promotion at the heart of public health strategy. He challenged PHAs and the NDOH to raise life expectancy in Papua New Guinea to over 70 years by 2050, aligning with the ambitions of the National Health Plan 2021–2030.
“We must change the way we think about health—by shifting from treating illness to preventing it. That shift begins with strong, community-based health promotion,” Mr. Wai said.
Dr. Josaia Tiko, Deputy Head of the WHO Country Office in PNG, echoed the call for innovation and collaboration. He emphasized the need to reinvigorate the Healthy Islands Vision in the face of rising burdens from communicable and noncommunicable diseases and climate-related health threats.
“Health promotion is our most powerful tool. It empowers people to take control of their health. It’s not just the job of doctors and nurses—it’s the responsibility of every leader, teacher, parent, and youth,” said Dr. Tiko.
Workshop Goals
Participants will work collaboratively to:
- Build a shared understanding of the current health promotion landscape in PNG
- Identify priority focus areas and key challenges
- Finalize the draft National Health Promotion Strategy Framework
- Integrate PRSEAH (Prevention of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment) principles into policies and practice
The workshop’s format is divided into two phases:
- Days 1–3: Focused on national advocacy, policy discussions, and strategy development
- Days 4–5: Dedicated to communication strategy and behavioral insights for health
This high-level forum signals a renewed national commitment to community-driven, inclusive, and prevention-focused healthcare. It is a rallying point for all stakeholders to work in unison to achieve a healthier and more resilient Papua New Guinea