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Parents

Nutrition

Breast Feeding and Good Nutrition Help Your Child Survive, Grow and be Healthy

Malnutrition is very common in PNG. Many mothers have difficulty fully breast feeding her baby for sufficient time, and mothers often have no support for breast-feeding. Many infants are weaned early, or they do not receive adequate types or amounts of food.

For the first 4-6 months of life the only nutrition a baby needs is breast milk. Breast milk has all the nutrition a baby needs, and protects against severe diseases that kill children, particularly diarrhoea and pneumonia.

“Exclusive” breast-feeding is the best way to feed young infants. “Exclusive” means that he baby takes only breast milk and no additional food or fluids (including no water) for at least the first 4-6 months of life. The only exceptions are medicines if a baby needs these. Babies older than 6 months should continue to be breast fed, but “complimentary” feeds can be started.

Babies who are exclusively breast fed for at least the first 4-6 months of life are less likely to become unwell than babies who are fed solids or soft feeds too early. In PNG nearly all mothers breast-feed their babies, but many mothers start giving additional food, such as soft banana, pumpkin etc, very early, before the baby is 4 months old. This can lead to illnesses including pneumonia.

Exclusive breast feeding gives the best chances of good growth and development. The introduction of other food and fluid should be delayed until the baby is 4-6 months of age.

Baby bottles (or other bottle) or baby cups with a spout puts babies at risk of diarrhoea, malnutrition and death. This is because it is very hard to keep teats and bottles clean. They become contaminated with germs that cause diarrhoea. Many mothers who use bottles cannot afford infant formula so they give powdered cow’s milk, or dilute the formula with too much water to make the tin of milk powder last longer. This will cause the baby to have too few calories. Diarrhoea from dirty bottles and low calorie intake are common causes of severe malnutrition and death in bottle fed babies. Cow’s milk also causes anaemia, a serious problem of the blood.

Babies need to be weighed regularly to check growth. If a mother takes her baby to a health centre 7 times in the first year of life (birth, 1, 2, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months) the baby can be weighed and receive all the necessary vaccines. Starting at 6 months of age children also need a dose vitamin A every 6 months, which you can receive from your health clinic.

If mothers are having difficulty with breast feeding they should seek assistance from midwives, nurses at health centres or the Susu Mamas (http://www.susumamas.org.pg), or toll free number 7200 6262.

From 6 months babies need healthy weaning foods, and all children need a balanced diet. Dr Al Maha from Nonga General Hospital has developed a healthy plate.

Categories
Parents

Vaccines and Immunization

Vaccines (also called immunisation) save many thousands of children’s lives each year. Vaccines prevent children becoming ill from diseases like measles, tetanus, whooping cough, hepatitis, tuberculosis, meningitis and pneumonia. They are safe for your baby, and proven to prevent sickness and save lives.

Parents should take their baby to a health centre seven times in the first year of life (at birth, and at 1, 2, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months of age). The reasons for this are to:

  • Receive vaccines and other medicines to protect them from these diseases.
  • Mothers can get help with breast-feeding, and advice about what foods to make their baby grow strong
  • Babies can be weighed regularly for checking growth.
  • Mothers and fathers can also get help with family planning, if they want it.

The Child Health Record book is an important record of your baby’s vaccines and health. If you take this book to the health centre every time you go with your child, it will be an up-to-date record for you to keep, and to help the health care workers.

Download the Child Health Record Book here:

  • Baby Book Girls
  • Baby Book Boys
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News

Australia and PNG launch key Paediatric Health Guide

The 11th edition of The Standard Treatment for Common Illnesses of Children in Papua New Guinea was officially launched today by the Paediatric Society of Papua New Guinea (PSPNG) and representatives from the Australian High Commission.

The book, which has been a cornerstone of child healthcare since PNG’s independence in 1975, is published every five years and is widely used from remote aid posts to busy provincial hospitals.

Participants at the event

Written by paediatricians and medical specialists with extensive local knowledge, the guide provides practical, evidence-based advice for diagnosing and treating common childhood illnesses, managing emergencies, and promoting preventive care.

As part of Australia’s long-standing commitment to improving health outcomes in PNG, 30,000 copies of the new edition have been printed and will be distributed nationwide.

Dr. James Amini, President of the PSPNG, highlighted the book’s vital role in saving lives.

Dr Ramez Alhazzaa (Australian High Commission) with Dr James Amini (President of the Society)

“Every child in Papua New Guinea has the right to healthcare, yet reaching them across rural and peri-urban communities remains a great challenge,” Dr. Amini said.

“Most child deaths are preventable with early diagnosis and simple treatments. The Standard Treatment Book, now in its 11th edition, equips health workers with the guidance they need to deliver these life-saving interventions.”

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News

Strengthening governance in PNG

The Open Government Partnership’s (OGP) Third National Action Plan (2025–2029) and the National Social Accountability Framework (SAF) regional consultations have energised national efforts to strengthen governance. 

The consultations have brought civil society leaders, government officials, and international partners at the subnational and district level together to shape reforms that prioritise transparency and accountability. The New Ireland Province raised its hand to be a pilot area for these reforms.

Australia and Papua New Guinea, both are members of the global OGP initiative and are working together to promote open government and inclusive development.

Participants reviewed 25 draft commitments under the OGP plan, covering areas such as Freedom of Information, Digital Transformation, and Fiscal Transparency. Discussions centred on how civil society can bridge the gap between citizens and government, ensuring reforms are grounded in community realities.

The first priority under the National Action Plan will address social accountability in health and education services. Key next steps include finalising Memorandums of Understanding with government agencies, launching a national communication strategy, and promoting local ownership of the action plan.

Australia’s continued support through the PNGAusPartnership will assist in these initiatives. The Open Government Partnership (OGP) is a global effort fostering collaboration for enhanced transparency and citizen engagement, with PNG actively participating in this initiative as the 78th member.

Categories
News

Child Tuberculosis; A Fight for all

In the bustling corridors of Port Moresby General Hospital (PMGH), a touching tale of resilience and compassion unfolds through the remarkable journey of Jay, a spirited 13-year-old.

Jay faced the daunting aftermath of severe lung damage, a result of his grueling battle against a severe infection.

Jay is among the 7,000 children in Papua New Guinea affected by Tuberculosis (TB), posing a significant health challenge to our nation.

In 2023, Papua New Guinea witnessed a surge in tuberculosis cases, exceeding 40,000—a sharp rise from the approximately 30,000 cases recorded in 2022.

In Papua New Guinea, children make up an alarming 26% of tuberculosis cases, significantly higher than the global average of 10%.

This surge is attributed to factors like delayed treatment, under-equipped health centers, and staffing challenges, with community transmission playing a key role.

Detecting tuberculosis in children poses challenges due to vague symptoms; however, efforts spearheaded by the National TB Program and the Paediatric Society aim to bolster diagnosis and treatment.

A clinic staff member confidently using the Paediatric TB flip chart to provide health talks to patients.

These efforts involve training healthcare professionals, implementing improved testing methods, and enhancing treatment options for drug-resistant TB and TB-HIV co-infection.

To address this issue, the Paediatric Society of PNG (PSPNG) launched the Child TB-HIV Project, funded by the PNG Australia Partnership, in collaboration with the National TB Program (NTP), National Department of Health, PMGH, and the School of Medicine and Health Sciences, is enhancing testing and detection of child TB cases.

In addition, PSPNG and the NTP have made groundbreaking strides by introducing child-friendly TB medicine, a remarkable accomplishment not just for Papua New Guinea but also on a global scale.

This partnership is at the forefront of updating guidelines and equipping healthcare workers with the latest skills.

At Port Moresby General Hospital, the number of children receiving TB treatment has increased from 435 to 900 in 2023.

Moreover, a greater number of children have experienced the advantages of a shorter 3-month treatment regimen compared to the previous 6-month.

Despite the obstacles presented by DR-TB, managing treatment has improved, and Papua New Guinea (PNG) is prioritizing the provision of the latest treatment and child-friendly medications to children.

Additionally, the outreach program in the National Capital District (NCD) and Central Province ensures continuous treatment for children with HIV.

Dr. Gordon Pukai, a paediatrician at Port Moresby General Hospital, emphasises the importance of completing the full course of medicine to eradicate TB, stating, “TB is curable, and the treatment is free.”

Badili TB clinic staff and community treatment supporters with outreach coordinator Raymond Simon.

“Caregivers should be vigilant for symptoms such as prolonged cough, fevers, night sweats, weight loss, and chronic sickness in children.

“It’s crucial to ensure that children receive all doses of immunization to protect them from preventable diseases and promote overall health,” said Dr Pukai.

As we observe World Health Day on 7 April, let’s renew our commitment to ending childhood TB in Papua New Guinea and ensuring a healthier future for all children.

Together, let’s strive towards a TB-free nation where every child receives the care they deserve.