New MoUs to advance healthcare and medical science in PNG

Burnet Institute has signed new Memorandums of Understanding (MoU) with the Papua New Guinea (PNG) National Department of Health (NDoH) and National Capital District Provincial Health Authority (NCD PHA) aimed at strengthening co-operation in healthcare and medical science in PNG. 

Burnet and the NDoH initiated a two-stage consultation workshop to review the previous MoU, discuss NDoH priorities and incorporate these into the revised agreement.  

The Burnet/NDoH MoU provides for collaborations to improve health evidence, services and outcomes in accordance with relevant national policies and agendas, including:

• development and implementation of the National Health Research Policy
• policy and practice associated with improved disease control including COVID-19, malaria, HIV and tuberculosis
• policy and practice to strengthen surveillance of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), Antimicrobial Consumption (AMC) and Antimicrobial Use (AMU), and
• policy and practice associated with improved family health, including maternal, child and adolescent health, sexual and reproductive health, men’s health and nutrition 

“Both MoUs are five-year agreements identifying joint collaborations in public health research to the benefit of both parties.” 

The NCD PHA MoU provides a basis of shared understanding for technical support for operational research including capacity building. 

Burnet Institute Country Director PNG Dr Fredrick Charles said the primary focus is on public health program planning implementation, monitoring and evaluation, health systems strengthening – in leadership, financing, workforce, medical supplies, Information and Communications Technology – and health research 

“It reinforces both organisations’ shared commitment to enhancing health service delivery, fostering research, and supporting initiatives that address priority health challenges in Papua New Guinea.”