NCDs becoming major killer in PNG

Non-Communicable Diseases [NCDs] are silently becoming one of Papua New Guinea’s biggest killers, with increasing numbers of people dying from heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure from as young as 25 years old.

The growing concern, now described as an endemic, was highlighted during a recent awareness session by Dr Simeon Adiunegiya, a Public Health Medical Officer at the Western Highlands Provincial Health Authority [WHPHA]. He revealed that Non-Communicable Diseases, also known as NCDs, are now claiming more lives in the country after the age of 25.

Dr Simeon said many Papua New Guineans remain unaware they are living with these conditions until they become critically ill.

He said the Wellness Clinic at Mt Hagen Specialist Hospital was established to help identify and screen people early before complications develop.

Dr Simeon stressed that low awareness in communities continues to be one of the biggest challenges in fighting NCDs.

“People will not come for wellness checks unless there is effective awareness and outreach patrols,” Dr. Adiunegiya said.

He said community outreach programs are important because they help people understand the dangers of NCDs and encourage them to seek medical help early.

“Once they understand, they can come forward, receive early diagnosis, and begin treatment immediately,” he said.

Dr Simeon also revealed that since 2024, more than 120 Village Health Assistants [VHAs] have been trained to conduct awareness in communities and refer suspected NCD cases to the Wellness Clinic.

He added that another refresher training will be conducted this year to strengthen awareness programs and improve early detection of NCDs at the community level.

The increasing number of NCD-related illnesses and deaths is becoming a serious public health concern, especially as more young adults are being affected across the country.