In a major step forward for public health in Papua New Guinea’s capital, the National Capital District Provincial Health Authority (NCDPHA) has officially entered into a strategic partnership with the Burnet Institute, a globally recognised medical research organisation with a long-standing presence in PNG. The partnership was formalised this morning with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Dr. Robin Oge, CEO of NCDPHA, and Dr. Frederick Charles, PNG Country Director of the Burnet Institute.
This collaborative agreement marks the beginning of a comprehensive joint effort to enhance health research, service delivery, and capacity building in Port Moresby and beyond. The partnership reflects a shared commitment to advancing health outcomes, particularly for communities most in need, and builds on both institutions’ track record of leadership in health system strengthening, innovation, and public health research.
The MOU outlines three key areas of collaboration. First, the partnership will focus on disease elimination, targeting high-burden illnesses and preventable diseases through evidence-based research and coordinated public health interventions. By combining Burnet’s research expertise with NCDPHA’s operational leadership, the two institutions aim to implement scalable solutions to reduce disease prevalence across the city.
Second, the collaboration will enhance health security and pandemic preparedness in the National Capital District and across PNG. Lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic have underscored the importance of building resilient health systems. Through joint initiatives, NCDPHA and the Burnet Institute will work to strengthen surveillance systems, emergency response capacity, and health workforce readiness to respond more effectively to future outbreaks.
Third, the MOU prioritises the health of women, children, and adolescents, recognising them as essential to the long-term wellbeing of PNG’s population. The partnership will support improvements in maternal and child health services, adolescent sexual and reproductive health programs, and strategies to address gender-based barriers to healthcare access.
Dr. Robin Oge praised the partnership as a timely and strategic alliance, stating that "Burnet Institute brings a wealth of scientific knowledge, data-driven approaches, and community-centred research that will help transform how we deliver health services in the capital." Dr. Frederick Charles echoed the sentiment, emphasising Burnet’s commitment to working alongside local partners to address PNG’s most pressing health challenges with sustainable and locally owned solutions.
This collaboration also reflects PNG’s broader health development goals, particularly under the National Health Plan and global health commitments. The Burnet Institute’s deep engagement in PNG—spanning over two decades—positions it as a key ally in bridging research, policy, and implementation.
As this partnership unfolds, the people of Port Moresby can expect innovative health programs, more effective disease response strategies, and stronger support for vulnerable communities. The agreement between NCDPHA and Burnet Institute signals a new era of integrated, research-led health advancement—anchored in collaboration, driven by evidence, and focused on improving lives.