TWENTY-EIGHT Papua New Guineans have graduated with an Australia Awards Certificate in Nutrition, a significant area of focus on preventing malnutrition.
The cohort of health professionals completed an intensive program delivered in partnership with the University of Newcastle, Australia.
Dr. Kalen Karapen, one of the participants said the course highlighted the growing burden of oral cancer in PNG.
“Within increasing rates of oral cancer, nutrition has become an important contributing factor to addressing advocacy and prevention,” said Dr. Karapen.
Australia is supporting Papua New Guinea’s health workforce to strengthen its capacity to respond to malnutrition and improve community health across the country.
UNICEF reports that malnutrition is a silent emergency in Papua New Guinea and the underlying cause for the majority of deaths of children under the age of five and contributes up to 50 per cent of all hospital admissions.
The health training run under the PNG-Australian Partnership Program equipped the 28-participants with practical skills in nutrition, data analysis, program design and supports the cohort to deliver screening programs and work directly with communities.
Malnutrition is caused by a poor diet and many children who suffer from malnutrition die from curable disease. It remains a challenge in PNG and strengthening local expertise is critical to improving health outcomes and supporting long-term development.
The Graduate Certificate in Nutrition aligns with key national priorities, including the National Nutrition Policy 2016–2026, National Health Plan 2021–2030, and PNG Vision 2050.
The training helped participants develop communication and counselling skills to help families back in their communities adopt healthier nutrition practices.
Dr. Karapen said the course gave her a different perspective to advocate for nutrition in in the hospital where she works.
“This reinforced my commitment to advocate for nutrition as part of oral cancer prevention and patient support, especially in the hospital setting where I practice, and also communities where access to care is limited.”
The program helps address shortages of qualified nutrition professionals and strengthens PNG’s ability to respond to complex challenges like stunting and wasting, and rising rates of overweight and obesity.
The Australian government says it remains a committed partner in supporting a healthier, more resilient PNG through long-term investments in education, skills development and institutional capacity.