THE U.S. Embassy in Port Moresby is pleased to announce that Beverly Hunney has successfully completed her Fulbright Foreign Student Program and returned to Papua New Guinea after earning a Master’s of Public Health from the University of South Florida.
Ms. Hunney’s achievement represents the strong people-to-people ties between the United States and Papua New Guinea, which continue to deepen through educational and professional exchange programs. Her advanced training in public health comes at a critical time as both nations enhance cooperation in health security and capacity building.
A trained midwife and former Obstetric and Gynecology Ward clinician at Boram General Hospital under the East Sepik Provincial Health Authority, Ms. Hunney pursued advanced study with a singular purpose: to reduce preventable maternal and child deaths in Papua New Guinea’s rural communities. Her Masters of Public Health equipped her to identify and manage obstetric emergencies in remote settings and ā critically ā to train rural health workers, teachers, pastors, church elders, and village leaders to recognize warning signs and provide basic emergency care before patients can reach a health facility.
In a country of over 800 languages, rugged terrain, and communities separated by mountains and rainforest, that community-first approach is not just innovative ā it is essential.Ā Ms. Hunney’sĀ expertiseĀ directly supports Papua New Guinea’s National Health Plan Key Result Areas 4 and 5, which prioritize reducing maternal mortality as a cornerstone of broader community health and prosperity.Ā
Ms. Hunney’s success exemplifies the transformative power of educational exchange. Her expertise in public health will contribute significantly to Papua New Guinea’s health sector as our two countries work together to address shared challenges and build a healthier, more prosperous future.
Ms. Hunney’s return aligns with the robust U.S.-PNG bilateral relationship, highlighted by the second U.S.-Papua New Guinea Strategic Partnership Dialogue held in May 2026. Health cooperation remains a key priority, with both nations committed to strengthening health systems, disease prevention, and emergency response capabilities.
The United States remains committed to fostering educational opportunities for Papua New Guineans and supporting the development of future leaders who will contribute to their communities and strengthen the enduring relationship between our two nations.
The Fulbright Program, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, is the U.S. government’s flagship international educational exchange program. It provides opportunities for students, scholars, and professionals to undertake graduate study, advanced research, and teaching worldwide.
The Fulbright Program is the world’s largest and most diverse international educational exchange program. Since its inception in 1946, the program has provided more than 400,000 participants with the opportunity to study, teach, and conduct research, exchange ideas, and contribute to finding solutions to shared international concerns.