Friday June 20 2025: DEPUTY Prime Minister Hon. John Rosso has officially thanked the Government of Japan and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) for the generous donation of two fully equipped ambulances and essential medical equipment to Papua New Guinea.
Speaking at the official handover ceremony, the Deputy Prime Minister described the donation as a “powerful gesture of friendship and shared commitment to safeguarding the health and wellbeing of our people.”
“These ambulances are more than vehicles — they are mobile life-saving units that will strengthen our ability to respond to emergencies, particularly at high-traffic entry points such as Jacksons International Airport, Motukea Wharf, and the Wutung Border in Vanimo,” Rosso said.
The Deputy Prime Minister highlighted that the donation supports PNG’s national development priorities, including health security, border resilience, and the country’s Sustainable Development Goals. He acknowledged IOM’s broader support in migration governance and emergency response, and Japan’s long-standing partnership with PNG.
Rosso also extended his gratitude to IOM, WHO, St John Ambulance, the Department of Health, and all partners for their continued collaboration. He paid special tribute to St John Ambulance’s outgoing CEO, Mr. Matt Cannon, for his dedicated service to the people of PNG and his leadership in expanding lifesaving ambulances services across the country.
“The Government remains committed to strengthening our health systems and working with all partners to build a safer, healthier, and more resilient Papua New Guinea,” Rosso concluded.