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Paradise Private Hospital Joins Nasfund’s Discount Program

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THE National Superannuation Fund (Nasfund) has announced a new partnership with Paradise Private Hospital (PPH), which will provide discounts for Nasfund members and registered employers.

The agreement, signed on Thursday, August 7th, 2025, makes PPH a new loyalty partner for Nasfund’s Employer to Employer (E2E) Discount Program and the Member Discount Program (MDP).

Under the partnership, Nasfund members and employers will receive a 10% discount on a variety of healthcare services at PPH, including outpatient and emergency services, maternity care, and diagnostic imaging like X-rays and ultrasounds. To get the discount, members must show a valid Nasfund membership card, while employers need to present a Nasfund E2E card.

“This initiative reflects a shared commitment to improving healthcare accessibility and affordability for Papua New Guineans,” Nasfund CEO Rajeev Sharma stated.

PPH Chairman Dr. Robin Sios, who signed the agreement along with Co-Owner Mrs. Janet Sios and CEO Dr. Polapoi Chalau, expressed excitement about the collaboration.

“We are excited about this loyalty program and to partner with the Fund to support promotional efforts to raise awareness of the benefits available to our Nasfund members and employers at our hospital,” said Dr. Sios.

Mrs. Sios added that the partnership is particularly meaningful because PPH is a nationally owned hospital and a large portion of its clients are already Nasfund members.

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HIV transmission in Papua New Guinea at crisis levels

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Lukautim Yu Yet Long AIDS - Billboard

As transmission rates soar, Papua New Guinea has declared a national HIV crisis to try and galvanize action to prevent the spread of the virus.

UNAIDS and the World Health Organisation estimate the Pacific nation recorded 11,000 new cases last year alone.

That’s equivalent to 30 new positive tests a day including seven newborns, who can be prevented from contracting HIV through antiretroviral therapy.  

PNG Health Minister Elias Kapavore said the trend was “deeply concerning”.

“As such, I am declaring this a National HIV crisis,” he told a press conference in Port Moresby.

The declaration is more than symbolic, activating a national emergency response plan enabling cross-sector co-ordination and investment in HIV services.

Adding to the anguish at the figures is the advancement of treatment and prevention options for HIV.

Bald brown man wearing a suit, Ken Wai comments on HIV crisis in PNG
In a supplied image, Papua New Guinea Health Secretary Ken Wai poses with some HIV antiretroviral medication at the National Department Of Health Building in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, on Thursday, June 26, 2025. Papua New Guinea health officials are ramping up efforts to fight HIV transmission. (AAP Image/Supplied by UNAIDS)

Most crucial is improving testing rates, so that more of the estimated 120,000 in Papua New Guinea with HIV can seek treatment.

Acting PNG health secretary Ken Wai said testing every pregnant woman can allow them to know their status and then access medication that prevents transmitting the virus to their child.

“We must scale-up access to HIV testing and treatment, particularly for groups most at risk. These priority initiatives should be offered at health facilities nationwide, and will require community leadership and support,” he said.

Mr Kapavore called HIV “a disease of inequality”.

“It is time for all of us to step up. I personally commit to raising this issue with my fellow ministers and parliamentarians and ensuring the urgent allocation of resources to protect our people – especially the next generation of Papua New Guineans,” he said.

The uptick reverses a decade of progress made to 2010, when World Vision reported new infections fell by roughly half to roughly 6000 a year.

Written by: Ben McKay (AAP)

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New Medical Gear Boosts Children’s Care at Mt. Hagen Hospital

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Children in Papua New Guinea’s Highlands region will receive better medical care thanks to a significant donation of equipment to Mt. Hagen Hospital.

The PNG Chamber of Resources and Energy (PNG CORE) Charity Golf Challenge, an annual fundraising event, raised over K280,000 to purchase vital medical devices for the hospital’s pediatric ward.

The new equipment includes essential tools like a phototherapy light for newborns with jaundice, portable ultrasound machines for quick diagnoses, and a patient monitor for real-time tracking.

These items will help doctors and nurses provide critical support to young patients, especially as the hospital faces a growing number of children needing care due to internal migration and conflict in the region.

Jane Holden, CEO of the Western Highlands Provincial Health Authority, highlighted the urgent need for this support, explaining that the pediatric ward, originally designed for 48 beds, is now caring for over 100 children.

Despite these challenges, Mt. Hagen Hospital consistently provides high-quality care with limited funding.

Western Highlands Governor, Wai Rapa praised PNG CORE for recognizing Mt. Hagen Hospital’s vital role as a referral center for the entire Highlands region.

PNG CORE President Anthony Smaré emphasized that the donation is more than just equipment but a symbol of their commitment to supporting healthcare in regions that often go unnoticed.

This initiative, supported by various companies and the government, marks the beginning of a long-term partnership to improve healthcare for children in the Highlands.

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Upgraded Lae Ambulance Station Enhances Emergency Care

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A newly refurbished ambulance station in Lae was officially opened today, promising better and faster emergency medical help for the people of Lae and surrounding districts.

The upgrade, a significant infrastructure improvement, was made possible through the partnership between Papua New Guinea and Australia via the PNG-Australia Policing Partnership (PNG-APP).

The revamped station features modern facilities and improved security, replacing older buildings to better support ambulance operations in Morobe Province. Since its establishment in 2022, the St John Lae Ambulance Station has already assisted over 20,000 people, with the number of emergency responses steadily increasing each year, reaching over 10,000 in 2024.

National St John Ambulance (NStJA) Chief Executive Matthew Cannon highlighted the station’s crucial role, stating that the Lae Ambulance Station is the second busiest within the National St John Ambulance Service network, playing a vital role in emergency response for Lae and surrounding districts in Morobe Province.

He added that the upgraded facility will improve crew safety, operational readiness, and the quality of care delivered to the community.

The project is expected to significantly benefit the community by ensuring quicker response times and better quality care during emergencies.

Mr. Cannon also expressed gratitude to the Australian Government, saying that this project represents a major step forward in the efforts to enhance ambulance services across Papua New Guinea.

“We are immensely grateful to the Australian Government through the PNG-Australia Policing Partnership for their continued partnership and support in strengthening emergency medical systems for the people of Morobe.”

Morobe Provincial Health Authority Chief Executive Officer, Dr Kipas Binga also welcomed the upgrade, acknowledging NStJA as a valued partner in delivering health services in Lae and the surrounding districts of Morobe Province and expressed his anticipation for continued collaboration.

PNG-Australia Policing Partnership Assistant Commissioner, Jamie Strauss noted his pleasure that the partnership could support initiatives that directly benefit communities.

The successful completion of the Lae Ambulance Station upgrade underscores the positive impact of collaborative efforts in strengthening essential public services in Papua New Guinea.

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Australia funding vaccines after polio find in PNG

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A young child is seen at the Malahang Health Clinic where the Polio vaccine is administered to children in Lae, Marobe Province, Papua New Guinea, Tuesday, July 24, 2018. A confirmed Vaccine Derived Polio Virus (VDPV) in Lae, Morobe Province, Papua New Guinea was reported to WHO on 21 June, 2018. Four rounds of supplementary immunisation activity (SIA) targeting children less that five years of age is planned from July to October 2018, to combat the virus. (AAP Image for Gavi/Brendan Esposito)

Australia is spending $5 million towards vaccinations in Papua New Guinea after the declaration of a polio outbreak in its close northerly neighbour.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has announced circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 has been detected in stool specimens of two healthy children in PNG earlier in May.

It is the first outbreak of the debilitating virus in PNG since 2018, with the WHO testing centred on the city of Lae, in New Guinea’s north.

Wastewater samples have also picked up the highly-infectious virus – particularly in regions with poor sanitation – in the capital of Port Moresby.

Australia’s Pacific Minister Pat Conroy said his government would fund vaccines through WHO with the potential to reach three million children.

“Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent the spread of polio,” he said.

“That’s why we are working closely with the government of Papua New Guinea to step up vaccination efforts to protect children and ensure a healthy region.”

PNG vaccination rates are estimated at around 44 per cent, given rise to the potential for outbreaks.

Polio, which is often carried without symptoms, primarily affects children, with a small number of cases causing paralysis and even death.

Rates of the virus have plummeted in recent decades owing to a global eradication program, with polio now endemic in only Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Written by: Ben McKay © Australian Associated Press 2025

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A Second Chance at Life: Marchella’s Journey to Healing

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Epeanda Urban Clinic, located in Southern Highlands Province, stands as a beacon of hope for many, providing integrated healthcare that ensures individuals receive timely and holistic clinical services.

Through the Sexual & Reproductive Health Integration Project (SRHIP), the clinic has strengthened its capacity to diagnose and manage HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), offering life-saving interventions to those in need.

One such patient is Marchella Andrew, a 28-year-old woman from Karinz, Mendi Munhiu electorate, who had been battling a mysterious illness that worsened with each passing month. She first noticed severe facial rashes that spread aggressively across her face and body.

 Seeking help from various clinics and hospitals in Western Highlands Province, she was repeatedly diagnosed with skin infection and given antibiotics and creams, yet nothing worked. Desperate for relief, she turned to over-the-counter medications, but her condition only deteriorated further.

As her illness became unbearable, affecting her ability to care for her family and live a normal life, she decided to travel to Mendi, Southern Highlands Province, in search of proper medical care. At Epeanda Urban Clinic, she was attended to by Nicholas Philip, a trained health worker.

Epeanda Urban Clinic is among the 13 Catholic Church Health Services (CCHS) facilities implementing the Sexual & Reproductive Health Integration Project (SRHIP), a program of the Australian Government which CCHS is implementing in partnership with ASHM, Burnet Institute, and Igat Hope PNG.

The project ensures that health facilities provide holistic and integrated services, reaching those who need them most.

Upon seeing her, Nicholas could hardly recognize her facial features due to the severe red rashes and swelling. Sensing the urgency of her condition, he immediately took her medical history and performed an HIV Determine test. Within 15 minutes, the result was reactive.

To confirm the diagnosis, Nicholas referred her to the Epeanda Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT) site, where she underwent further tests using ABON and Genie Fast kits. Both results confirmed she was HIV-positive.

For a moment, her world stood still. The weight of the diagnosis was overwhelming, but Nicholas’ pre-and post-test counseling reassured her that treatment was available and that she could regain her health.

Without delay, she was started off on Antiretroviral Therapy or (ART), along with medications for STIs, fluconazole, and albendazole to address other infections. Nicholas carefully explained the importance of faithfulness  to ART, preparing her for potential side effects and encouraging her to remain committed to the treatment.

Behind the success of cases like Marchella’s is the guidance and mentorship of Maria Koke, the Master Mentor for HIV and STI services. Her expertise has been instrumental in training health workers like Nicholas, ensuring that they deliver high-quality counseling, testing, and treatment services.

Two months later, Marchella returned for her scheduled review appointment. The transformation was remarkable—her skin had cleared, she looked healthy, and she was more energetic. With a smile, she shared her gratitude:

“I am married to a Western Highlander and have a child. We were happily living together until I got sick. I sought help in many clinics and hospitals in Western Highlands, but they only treated my symptoms. It was only when I came to Epeanda that I finally discovered the root cause of my illness. I am so grateful that I was properly diagnosed, treated, and given a second chance at life.”

Today, Marchella is one of over 600 patients actively receiving treatment at the Epeanda VCT site, which has more than 1,600 registered clients.

 The integration of HIV services within the main urban clinic has improved accessibility to testing and treatment, ensuring that more people receive timely and comprehensive care.

Her journey highlights the critical importance of early testing and accurate diagnosis. If she had continued receiving only symptomatic treatment, her health would have worsened, potentially leading to life-threatening complications.

 Health workers play a vital role in ensuring that patients undergo proper investigations and receive lifesaving interventions. However, challenges persist. Shortages of HIV test kits sometimes delay diagnosis and treatment.

Confidentiality concerns arise when family members demand to know a patient’s diagnosis. Geographical barriers also prevent many from accessing healthcare services on time.

To strengthen service delivery, Nicholas and the Epeanda Urban Clinic team emphasize the need for a consistent supply of HIV test kits, continued training and mentorship for health workers, and an expansion of Provider-Initiated Counseling and Testing (PICT) for all patients visiting the clinic.

Marchella’s story is a testament to the power of integrated healthcare services. It is a reminder that with early detection, proper treatment, and compassionate care, every patient deserves a second chance at life.

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PNG’s HIV Prevalence Critical

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National STI and HIV strategy launch booklet red in color

Seventy-two thousand is the estimated number of people living with HIV in Papua New Guinea.

More than 43,000 are on Anti-Retroviral Treatment (ART) while more than 50,335 are people living with HIV who know their status.  
 
Across the country, 2,400 women are estimated pregnant mothers living with HIV; of that 1,239 are receiving treatment.  

Thirty-four percent of pregnant mothers, that is 34 out of every 100 pregnant mothers have babies born positive.  

Speaking at a recent media briefing, Dr Gideon Nano who is the Program Manager for National STI/HIV at the National Department of Health said the challenge now is to get the mothers on the ART Treatment.
 
Previously, Port Moresby was the known hot spot with high incidences of HIV cases but the figures are alarming now that statistics show 100 percent increases in HIV cases in all provinces in the country.  

The government spends K8 – K9 million on procurement of drugs however this is challenging as the Aids Council Secretariat needs more than K40 million to conduct awareness, prevention and treatment activities.
 
On Friday 30th August, the Government through the Health Department launched the new National STI & HIV Strategy 2024 – 2028.  

The strategy is in line with the government’s vision to ensure every Papua New Guinean is healthy, educated and able to sustain themselves.

In his address, Health Minister, Dr Lino Tom said the HIV epidemic cannot be controlled by the government alone, the success of the strategy relies on many valued partners.
 
The first known case of HIV in Papua New Guinea was reported in 1987, since then the country has continuously faced challenges in reducing the spread of HIV and mitigating negative impacts on the health and economy of the nation.
 
Lino said, “Despite our efforts, the strategy – and the review of the previous one – does not shy away from identifying the gaps in our response and offering solutions. “

Some areas that need improving are primary HIV prevention response, better integration of STI and HIV services and the reliability of the supply chain of medicine.
 
The strategic approach seeks to revitalize the STI and HIV Prevention efforts, increase attention on treatment, strengthening systems and working in partnership with all Provincial Health Authorities.

Related story:

18 New HIV Cases Recorded Daily in PNG
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Remote School Flies to Port Moresby for Life Saving Lessons

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Twenty-three students from Mougulu Secondary School in Western Province visited the National Ambulance Service headquarter in Port Moresby for some emergency life saving tips.

The excursion is part of the school’s educational program for first aid.

Mougulu Secondary school is located in remote Middle Fly District.

The school was established in 2019.

This year the school will graduate its first grade 12 students.

Founder of the Mougulu Secondary school, Mrs Sally Lloyd said health care is one of the problems that persuades students to drop out of school.

A simple request by Mrs Lloyd to the Management of St John Ambulance Service made the visit possible.

Mrs Lloyd said because of the schools geographical location it was important that they learn first aid from professional ambulance officers.

Mougulu is a small mission station and is only accessible by small engine aircrafts and it is very hard for medivac or transporting sick people.

Mougulu secondary students receive life saving training from St John Ambulance staff.

The only means of transport in Mougulu is canoe. The villagers use the river to access education and basic health needs.

The 23 students received attainment certificates from St John’s Ambulance following the completion of the training.

St John Ambulance’s Public Relations officer, Lulu Mark urged other schools in the country to also take part in such programs to learn life saving skills.

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18 New HIV Cases Recorded Daily in PNG

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Lukautim Yu Yet Long AIDS - Billboard

An estimated 18 new HIV infections per day (approximately 6500 in 2022) is PNG’s current statistics.  This represents a 131 percent increase since 2010.

Around 800 new HIV infections occur annually among infants born to HIV positive mothers, equivalent to 2 infections per day in 2022.

CSO representatives taking questions from the media.

The total number of people living with the virus stands at 72,000 in 2022 translating to 1% percent prevalence nationally among adults aged 15 – 49. This level is the highest in the past 12 years.  UNAids reports that all 22 provinces recorded HIV infections with most showing an upward trend.

Most new infections result from sexual transmission due to multiple unprotected sexual encounters.

On the occasion of World TB Day, Sunday 24th March 2024,  Civil Society Organizations also called for action in consultation with the government and media to prevent the spread of the virus.

Speaking at media networking event on Wednesday 27th March, organized by Media Development Initiative, a PNG-Australia partnership, UNAids Country Director Maoela Manova said there is a critical need for immediate action to address the HIV epidemic in the country.

18 new HIV cases recorded daily in PNG
UNAIDS Country Director Maoela Manova

While Tuberculosis is preventable, it is closely related to HIV infections thus in PNG, TB remains a major health issue causing nearly a thousand deaths among people living with HIV.

An estimated 44,000 people fell ill with TB in PNG alone in 2022.

In her statement, Mrs Manova said while there is a decline globally in HIV infections, PNG is seeing the opposite.  Globally the number of new infections has dropped by 59 percent from 2.1 million in 2010 to just 1.3 million in 2022, this progress in a testament to decades of knowledge and evidence-based prevention strategies worldwide. 

Jonathan Wala – KPAC Rep

Other key partners in the fight against HIV/Aids are amplifying the messages of awareness on testing and stigma and discrimination and treatment through Antiretroviral Therapy.

Two such groups are Catholic Church Health Services {CCHS} and Key Population Advocacy Consortium PNG [KPAC].  CCHS has over 200 Health Facilities and 1,600 staff spread across 21 provinces. Meanwhile KPAC advocates for human rights of key populations to reduce stigma and discrimination and also advocates for legal and policy reforms as part of its mission.

Graham Apian – CCHS Director Projects
Graham Apian – CCHS Director Projects

These CSOs agree that PNG’s HIV status can be contained through awareness and the treatment of ARV drugs.  A major part of collaborative work by Civil Society Organizations is getting people to know their status through testing.   Antiretroviral Treatment is also free and available in most health centers. 

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Angau’s Accountability: Report

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Angau Accountability

Morobe Provincial Health Authority (PHA) CEO, Dr. Kipas Binga, has announced that a financial report and acquittals will be submitted to Morobe Governor, Luther Wenge once the funds allocated to address the drug shortage in Morobe have been utilized.

Dr. Binga clarified that out of the K3.5 million allocated by Governor Wenge on December 4, 2023, K1.5 million was earmarked for the regular operations of the Morobe Provincial Health Authority (MPHA).
The remaining K2 million was specifically designated to tackle the pressing issue of drug shortages that had plagued the province.

The CEO emphasized that the K3.5 million provided by the governor constituted a substantial lump sum payment covering both operational expenses and the drug shortage initiative.

Angau Accountability

Of the K1.5 million allocated for regular operations, K200,000 has already been utilized for public health purposes.

However, Dr. Binga assured that the remainder would be carefully budgeted, primarily targeting the first quarter of the current year.

Regarding the K2 million allocated to address the drug shortage, Dr. Binga affirmed that the funds are readily available.

Once these funds are utilized, a comprehensive report will be compiled and submitted to Governor Wenge for review.

The K2 million donation by Governor Wenge was a response to the “Nogat Marasin Campaign,” which gained traction in Lae City.

Led by a dedicated team of Lae citizens and supported by Morobe Citizens the campaign aimed to draw attention to the critical shortage of medical drugs in the province’s health centers.

This initiative underscores the collaborative efforts between local authorities and concerned citizens to address pressing healthcare challenges, with transparent financial reporting ensuring accountability and effective utilization of resources in Morobe Province.

Angau Memorial Provincial Hospital

Related: https://insidepng.com/angau-hospital-crisis-morobe/

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