SENATOR THE HON PENNY WONG
LEADER OF THE GOVERNMENT IN THE SENATE
MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS

THE HON PAT CONROY MP 
MINISTER FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND THE PACIFIC
MINISTER FOR DEFENCE INDUSTRIES

Australia is boosting its support for a healthy Papua New Guinea with a new package to help address major health challenges, including HIV, malaria, and antimicrobial resistance.

The investment also includes support for health research at the Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research and will provide training to more quickly identify, track and stop the spread of infectious diseases.

Funded through the Partnerships for a Healthy Region initiative, the package will draw on Australian expertise, including the Kirby Institute, the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, the Burnet Institute, and the University of Newcastle. These partners will deliver similar activities in countries across the Pacific and Southeast Asia under Partnerships for a Healthy Region.

We are also providing further support to the Innovative Vector Control Consortium to develop new products to prevent malaria and dengue globally, with a focus in Papua New Guinea.

These activities complement Australia’s extensive existing support for health in Papua New Guinea, including through the PNG-Australia Partnership, and global health programs such as the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, and UNAIDS.

Partnerships for a Healthy Region is a $620 million initiative to support partner countries in the Pacific and Southeast Asia to build resilient and equitable health systems.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator the Hon Penny Wong:

“We cannot have the peaceful, stable and prosperous region we want without improving the health and wellbeing of our region’s communities.

“As close neighbours, friends and equals, Australia will continue to work with Papua New Guinea to meet current and future health challenges.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for International Development and the Pacific, the Hon Pat Conroy MP:

“Our partnership with PNG is grounded in mutual respect and shared values.

“A strong health system is at the heart of sustainable development and ensuring everyone who needs care can access it.

“With this new package of support, we are working together to improve opportunities for all.”

Media Contact:
Foreign Minister's Office: +61 2 6277 7500

Authorised by Senator the Hon Penny Wong, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Australia.