Plan to address crosscutting health issues in PNG
The National Health Security Program launched on Monday aims to strengthen health security in PNG through a one-health approach supported by USAID Global Health Program.
The One-Health Approach is a collaborative and multi-sectoral approach working at the local, regional, national and global levels to achieve optimal health outcomes, recognizing the interconnection between people, animals, plants and their shared environment.
The One-Health MoU was signed in 2019 between the National Department of Health [NDoH], Conservation and Environmental Protection Authority [CEPA], Department of Agriculture and Livestock [DAL] and National Agriculture Quarantine and Inspection Authority [NAQIA].
Secretary for NDoH Dr. Osborne Liko said this was important as it signifies the commitment across the sector to promote one health approach and guides their collaborative effort to address health issues.
In Oct 2023 the government of PNG and the United States agreed to partner with support being provided to PNG National Health Security and One Health priorities.
“This partnership and collaboration has been crucial in addressing major health challenges like COVID-19, food safety, and the impact of climate change while also strengthening our laboratory and psephology system,” Dr Liko said.
“PNG is a signatory of International Health Regulations and pledges its commitment to develop a health system that prioritizes universal health coverage and primary health care and to ensure health security of its people and protect its economy.
“So we are prioritizing One-Health Approach and actively participating in the Global Health Security Summit in June and presenting health security priorities and threats in the country.
“Efforts are already underway in improving antibiotic use and enhancing disease surveillance, laboratory capacity and development of qualified health workforce with knowledge and skills to tackle major public health problems including pandemics, surveillances.
“I am pleased to advise that the National Reference Laboratory will be commissioned soon to tackle some of these issues.”
Dr. Liko thanked the international partners for their support in enhancing health security and implementing international health regulation through One-Health Approach.
He said their commitment is essential as they prepare to effectively prevent, detect and respond to emerging health threats by integrating human health, animal and environmental health into a unified framework.
“Over the next two days, senior technical staff will consider how to strengthen inter-sectoral partnerships that span government institutions, development partners, agencies and organizations,” Dr Liko said.
“They will explore mechanisms for cross-sector collaboration, establish steering groups and technical working groups and develop a strategic plan to address serious infectious disease threats so we may protect the health of our people and I look forward to hearing the outcomes of these fruitful discussions.”