Future nurses spearhead Mendi health and hygiene drive ahead of Independence celebrations

Final-year students from the Mendi School of Nursing have led a major civic initiative this week, conducting a town-wide cleanup and a critical public health campaign ahead of Papua New Guinea’s 50th Independence Anniversary and the PNG Games.

The student-led effort began with a two-day cleanup initiative on Wednesday and Thursday.

Under the leadership of SRC President Richard Laigaip, the future nurses cleaned public spaces, health facilities, markets, and streets throughout Mendi town, aiming to improve hygiene and civic pride in preparation for the major national events.

Following the cleanup, the students shifted their focus to public health on Friday. They launched a vital awareness campaign targeting the growing challenges of HIV/AIDS and the recent polio outbreak in the country.

The campaign, officially opened by college principal Mr. David Kundam, was a collaboration with the Southern Highlands Provincial Health Authority [SHPHA].

Mr. Augustine Brian, the SHPHA's HIV/TB Coordinator, provided a detailed presentation on local health statistics to educate the community.

“Educating our people with real data and facts is a vital step in the fight against HIV and polio,” Mr. Brian stated.

“When health professionals and students work together with communities, real change happens.”

The initiative has been widely alluded by the public as an example of youth engagement and is expected to inspire similar actions across the country as the nation approaches its golden jubilee.