THE National Capital District Provincial Health Authority (NCDPHA), in partnership with Access Health International and with support from Sanofi Global Health Unit, has officially launched a three-day training program on Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs)
The training, facilitated by Professor Dr. Farah Nazz Fatima from St. John’s Medical College brings together physicians, clinic managers, frontline health workers, and public health leaders to strengthen integrated healthcare and improve access to essential primary health services.
Opening the program, Deputy Director for Public Health–Family Health Services, HEO Janeth Pongone, emphasized the urgent need to address lifestyle-related diseases in Papua New Guinea.
“More than 40% of people are dying from preventable lifestyle diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer.” she said,
“This training is vital to equip our physicians and frontline health workers with the skills to improve early screening, diagnosis, referral pathways, and patient care.”
Dr. Shweta Singh, Technical Head of Public Health and Research at Access Health International, highlighted the broader objectives of the initiative.
“This project aims to increase access to primary care services, enhance the capacity of healthcare providers, and strengthen supply chain systems for essential NCD medications.
“Over the next three days, we will not only build technical knowledge but also share practical experiences and solutions tailored to local contexts,” Dr Shweta said.
The Chief Executive Officer of NCDPHA, Dr. Robin Oge said that this training marks a milestone in our efforts to strengthen Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) services in the National Capital District and beyond.
“By equipping our healthcare workforce with the right skills and systems, we are laying the foundation for better prevention, management, and referral of lifestyle diseases.
“We are grateful to Access Health International and Sanofi Global Health Unit for their timely support in this critical initiative,” Dr Oge said.
The training is part of the larger project Strengthening Integrated Healthcare and Access to Basic Primary Healthcare Services, currently being implemented in Port Moresby and the Western Highlands Province. It includes capacity building, integrated NCD management, and the introduction of innovative supply chain solutions to ensure timely access to essential medicines.
The program will culminate in the establishment of localized lifestyle disease clinics across NCD, strengthening referral pathways and improving patient care in urban and district health facilities.