MINISTER for Health & National Disaster Services, Hon. Dr. Billy Joseph, MP, today officially opened the South Pacific Stroke Summit 2026 at the Hilton Hotel, Port Moresby, bringing together health professionals, researchers and development partners from across the Pacific to address one of the region’s fastest-growing health challenges.
In his Keynote Address, Minister Joseph welcomed international delegates, including World Stroke Organisation President Prof. Craig Anderson, WHO Representative Dr. Rajendra Yadav, Co-Chair and founding member of the South Pacific Stroke and Neurology Organisation Prof. Anna Ranta, Secretary for Health Mr. Pascoe Kase, and Port Moresby General Hospital (POMGH) chief executive officer Dr. Paki Molumi.
Minister Joseph said stroke is a major cause of death and disability in Papua New Guinea, with consequences that extend well beyond the individual patient – loss of household income, years of care and rehabilitation, and considerable financial and emotional hardship for families.
“For our health systems, it places growing pressure on hospitals, specialist services and already limited resources.”
He revealed that in 2025, PNG’s National Health Information System recorded 696 stroke admissions and 186 deaths. However, these figures capture only cases reported through health facilities. International estimates suggest approximately 59,000 Papua New Guineans are living with the effects of stroke.
According to the World Health Organization, stroke was the fourth leading cause of death in PNG in 2023, with an estimated mortality rate of 32 deaths per 100,000 people. WHO also estimates that non-communicable diseases account for approximately 45 per cent of all deaths in PNG.
Hypertension, diabetes, obesity, tobacco use, harmful alcohol consumption and physical inactivity are increasing the risk of stroke across the region.
While prevention remains the Government’s priority, Minister Joseph stressed that speed of recognition, assessment and treatment determines whether a patient survives and how well they recover. Access to rehabilitation and ongoing support is equally important, particularly for patients returning to communities where specialist services are limited.
The Marape-Rosso Government is committed to strengthening stroke care across PNG – from prevention and early recognition, through to emergency treatment, rehabilitation and long-term support.
Port Moresby General Hospital already has a strong foundation, including its dedicated Stroke Unit, Neurosurgical Unit, CT and MRI diagnostic services and established clinical protocols.
The proposed Centre will provide specialist treatment while supporting training, research, clinical innovation and technical assistance to other hospitals.
The minister further discussed that the Government recognises the importance of a clear national policy framework. The National Stroke Policy and Strategic Plan will guide investment, establish priorities and support consistent standards of care across the country.
Minister Joseph said the value of the Centre will ultimately depend on how effectively its expertise reaches patients beyond Port Moresby. He envisaged a national network where Port Moresby General Hospital provides specialist leadership and support to provincial hospitals through common clinical standards, strengthened referral pathways, workforce training and tele-stroke services.
“This would allow more patients to receive appropriate care closer to home, with access to specialist expertise when required.”
Minister Joseph said Pacific Island countries face similar challenges – geographical isolation, shortages of specialist health professionals and limited diagnostic services – which can be better addressed by working together, sharing expertise and strengthening clinical capacity across the region.
He thanked the organisers, international guests and health professionals for making the Summit possible, and said he looks forward to the outcomes of the discussions and to building partnerships that will help improve stroke care for the people of PNG and the Pacific.