The European Union, a long-standing partner of civil society organisations in partner countries, has announced a new Call for Proposals in Papua New Guinea aimed at strengthening civic engagement, accountability, and the promotion of human rights, democracy and gender equality.Through this initiative, the EU will provide two grant opportunities totalling approximately 7 million kina. A key priority is increasing women’s political participation and leadership, particularly in the lead-up to and beyond the 2027 national elections.This programme reflects the EU’s continued commitment to supporting democratic governance and human rights in Papua New Guinea. Civil society organisations remain central to these efforts, playing an important role in promoting transparency, improving access to information and holding institutions accountable through monitoring corruption and public policy implementation.The initiative also aligns with the EU’s Global Gateway strategy, which supports the development of sustainable, high-quality infrastructure in partner countries. A core aspect of this strategy is fostering an enabling environment for responsible investment, grounded in strong social, environmental and governance standards. Civil society contributes significantly to building and sustaining this environment.Despite progress in addressing discrimination, gender inequality remains a serious challenge in Papua New Guinea. Although the Government has ratified international conventions and introduced national policies to support gender equality, women’s representation in political leadership remains low.Broader governance challenges also persist, including overlapping formal and customary systems, limited institutional responsiveness, corruption, inconsistent service delivery, and the structural exclusion of women and young people. Development partners, including the EU, continue to support initiatives that strengthen social accountability, such as improving access to public information, enhancing budget transparency, and enabling citizen monitoring of public spending and services.The European Union in Papua New Guinea is now inviting eligible organisations to submit proposals in line with the published guidelines.

The Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) has marked Tuesday, 26th May 2026, as a historic milestone in Panguna through a small but highly significant customary ceremony known as “Tampa Ungko”.Held to publicly acknowledge and affirm the unification of the five major Panguna landowner clans, the ceremony stands as a pivotal moment in support of the ongoing Panguna redevelopment process. President of the Autonomous Bougainville Government and Minister for Mining, His Excellency Ishmael Toroama, led the ceremony alongside senior Central Bougainville political leaders. These included the Chairman of the Central Parliamentary Committee Justin Borgia, Minister for Bougainville Veterans Junior Dake, and host Panguna Member for Ioro Constituency David Miringtoro. The event was further witnessed by Central Bougainville Veterans representatives, the ABG Department of Mining, Bougainville Copper Ltd (BCL), and Lloyds Metals & Energy Ltd (LMEL) representatives. As part of the customary process, the ABG presented live pigs to each of the five Panguna landowner clans as a goodwill gesture of respect, unity, and recognition of the customary landowners’ authority over Panguna land. The ceremony also acknowledged and honored those who lost their lives during the Bougainville conflict and the sacrifices made by the people of Panguna and Bougainville. During the proceedings, Central Bougainville Veterans pledged their continued support to the ABG and Panguna landowners in progressing the Panguna redevelopment process in a peaceful, respectful, and orderly manner. The Panguna Landowner Interim Council (PLIC) responded positively during the ceremony and reaffirmed its commitment to work together with the ABG, BCL, and LMEL to progress Panguna redevelopment while continuing the consultative process to address landowner issues and concerns. Landowner representatives called on individuals and groups to stop politicising and manipulating the sensitive Panguna issue on social media. They appealed to aggrieved individual landowners and splinter groups to come forward through the recognised Panguna landowner representative structures and ongoing dialogue process instead of creating division and refusing engagement. Representatives of the five clans publicly declared during the ceremony that the five Panguna clans are together as one united voice in support of the ABG President and the redevelopment of Panguna for the future benefit of Bougainville. The landowners stated that through the “Tampa Ungko” ceremony they are symbolically and publicly opening Panguna under unity and reconciliation. They further declared that the ceremony signals the unification of the five clans and reflects the combined position of the customary landowners regarding Panguna’s future. Landowner representatives also called upon persons currently carrying out unauthorized mining within the Panguna pit area to vacate the area out of respect for the united position now publicly demonstrated by the five customary landowner clans. The customary ceremony coincided with the official launching of the Panguna EL01 drilling program by President Toroama, marking the return of active drilling operations to Panguna for the first time in 37 years since the Bougainville conflict commenced in 1989. Drilling activities under the Panguna EL01 work program will subsequently commence following completion of the customary program and associated operational preparations. The presence of an operating drill rig in Panguna during the ceremony was described by leaders and landowners alike as historic and deeply symbolic of a new chapter for Panguna and Bougainville. Moving forward, the ABG reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that the Panguna process continues in accordance with the Bougainville Mining Act 2015, ongoing stakeholder consultations, and respect for customary authority, peace, unity, and inclusive dialogue.

Digicel PNG has announced this afternoon that it will be reselling Starlink services in Papua New Guinea (PNG).The internet and mobile phone service provider announced that it is authorized to resell Starlink services to expand its enterprise connectivity solutions and support businesses across PNG with enhanced, reliable internet products. It will do that under an agreement entered into between Starlink and Digicel PNG’s parent company, Telstra. Digicel PNG will distribute Starlink connectivity, providing businesses with additional connectivity options, particularly in remote and hard-to-reach areas where traditional infrastructure can be limited.Digicel PNG Acting CEO Brett Goschen said the collaboration reinforces the company’s focus on innovation and customer experience.“Working with Starlink demonstrates Digicel PNG’s dedication to innovation and our commitment to building a better-connected PNG,” said Goschen.“Reliable connectivity is critical for businesses today. By expanding our portfolio, we are better positioned to support our customers wherever they operate across the country.” Starlink will help provide high-speed internet access in locations where fibre or other traditional services may not be available.Chief Business Officer, Colm Breheny, said the addition of Starlink services to Digicel PNG’s portfolio supports Digicel PNG’s strategy to deliver flexible and fit-for-purpose solutions.“Satellite plays an important role in our connectivity strategy, and reselling Starlink strengthens our ability to support a broad range of business requirements,” Mr. Breheny said.Digicel PNG has completed initial testing of Starlink, with strong performance observed. “The results from our Starlink testing have been very positive, particularly for businesses operating outside traditional fixed and mobile network coverage areas,” Brett added.“We are confident this service will offer improved connectivity options for many organisations across the country.”Digicel PNG expects to be able to offer Starlink Internet to enterprise customers in Papua New Guinea from later this year.

The Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) and the National Fisheries Authority (NFA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to collaborate on institutional strengthening and capacity building for Bougainville’s fisheries and marine resources sector.The signing took place recently in Port Moresby city on the sidelines of the Ocean Summit, executed by ABG Minister for Fisheries Amanda Masono and National Minister for Fisheries Jelta Wong. Minister Masono described the partnership as a blueprint for Bougainville’s self-reliance and maritime stewardship. “It reflects our shared commitment to build a fisheries sector that delivers not only revenue, but dignity, jobs, and governance credibility for our people,” she said. In her remarks, Minister Masono stated that the ABG had created the Department of Fisheries, Marine Resources and Climate Change in late 2025 to take full responsibility for fisheries development in Bougainville, with the long-term aim of establishing the Bougainville Fisheries Authority. She added that the revised MOU now strengthens the cooperation framework between the ABG and NFA. “It commits both parties to institutional strengthening, capacity building, legislative development, monitoring, compliance and surveillance enhancement, and joint fisheries development planning, as outlined in the MoU’s objectives and cooperation framework.” “It ensures that Bougainville can progressively operationalize its fisheries powers and build the systems, skills, and institutions required for responsible management and sustainable development.” Minister Masono concluded by acknowledging the NFA Minister, Managing Director, and their team for finalizing the long-overdue agreement, noting that their commitment reflected a genuine national partnership and respect for Bougainville’s development pathway.

The Buka General Hospital in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville, is undergoing significant facility improvements through a strategic partnership with Mission Aviation Fellowship.Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Buka General Hospital, Dr. Tommy Wotsia said the targeted upgrades are focused on creating a safer and more functional clinical environment for both patients and staff. The completed refurbishment works include upgrades to the surgical wards, ablution blocks in the in-patient area, and the maternity ward, including improved water supply systems, upgrades for the special care nursery, labour ward, and the administration building. The improvements also include fresh repainting, upgrades to electrical and lighting systems, refurbished ward staff stations, outdoor seating for patient caretakers, thorough cleaning and wash-down of facilities, and the installation of sanitary sterilizers across all wards and workstations. Dr. Wotsia said the developments are expected to improve patient comfort, provide better working conditions for staff, strengthen infection control measures, and support safer maternal healthcare services. The project reflects strong collaboration between the hospital, development partners, and government. Mission Aviation Fellowship provided full labour support through its skilled workmen, while the hospital contributed towards material cost. Dr Wotsia confirmed that funding for the next phase of refurbishment works covering Medical Wards one and two, the Children’s ward, and the Maternity ward will be provided through the government’s funding support to the hospital.

In Lido village on the western coast of Vanimo, West Sepik Province, the Haii Entrepreneurship Coastal Fishing Group now goes out to sea around three to four times a week, depending on weather conditions and fish movement thanks to the EU-STREIT PNG Programme.Their weekly net income has increased to about K250 and at times even higher but before receiving support, the group worked with limited fishing equipment and lower catch volumes. On average, each trip produced only five to six fish, roughly 10 kilograms, and fishing was usually limited to one or two days a week, largely determined by weather, fuel availability and fish movement. With assistance from the EU-STREIT PNG Programme’s fisheries initiative in the Greater Sepik region, the group was provided with essential equipment including a boat, 40HP motor, Fish Aggregating Device (FAD), longline gear and cooler boxes. They also received training and technical guidance in fish handling, storage and marketing. The new boat and engine have extended their fishing range, while the Fish Aggregating Device has reduced time and fuel spent searching for fish. Group leader Mr. Steven Tekwei says the 40HP motor has also helped cut fuel costs, which is one of their biggest expenses. Steven explains that the group now catches around 20 to 30 fish per week, or about 40 to 50 kilograms. On 25th August 2025, they achieved a major catch, landing 90 large tuna and earning K2,500 in a single trip. However, higher catches also created storage challenges. Previously, fish had to be quickly transported to buyers in Vanimo, including hotels and restaurants, but delays often meant that around 20 to 30 percent of the catch was lost due to spoilage or lack of buyers. The introduction of cooler boxes has helped solve this problem. Fish can now be kept on ice and stored for longer periods, allowing the group to sell even after market hours. In some cases, fish remains fresh for more than 24 hours, giving customers outside Vanimo more flexibility to collect orders. Steven says spoilage has no longer been an issue since using the cooler boxes. “The cooler boxes really work well for us,” Steven said. “When we go out for tuna, we bring ice blocks with us so the fish stays fresh while we are still at sea. That helps maintain quality until we reach the market.” He added that customers have responded positively, with many now placing orders ahead of time through Facebook and WhatsApp. The group is evenly made up of men and women, with women mainly involved in marketing, processing such as cleaning and degutting and fish drying. Steven’s wife and daughter also sit on the group’s executive board. Before the project support, weekly sales were around K200. Today, a good fishing week can generate up to K500 in sales, resulting in about K250 in profit and sometimes more when catches are strong. The group is reinvesting its earnings back into operations, including purchasing fishing supplies from Jayapura, Indonesia, to replace damaged gear. Steven says future plans include adding another boat and improving cold storage systems to handle larger catches, reduce losses and expand their customer base. “Now we can catch more fish, and we are seeing real progress,” Steven said. “Most of the earnings are going towards building our two new houses,” which are still under construction for family use. At the household level, the impact is also clear. Fish remains the main source of protein, and larger catches mean more food is shared with extended family and friends. On busy fishing days, the team also buys additional food such as chicken and beef to support their work. For Steven’s family, the changes go beyond income alone. Reduced waste, steadier earnings and improved food availability are now helping them plan ahead with more confidence.

The month of October has been set for both Papua New Guinea (PNG) and China to host the first ever Business Forum and Trade Expo, a means to attract more investments from China.The Minister for International Trade and Investment, Richad Maru, made this announcement in Port Moresby on Tuesday 26th May, saying the inaugural PNG – China Business Forum and Trade Expo will be just for two days, running from on October 20th – 21st in Guangzhou, China. “This will be the first time our two countries will host the business forum and trade expo after 50 years of bilateral relationship. While we have had PNG – Australia Business Forum for the last 41 years, it is time we have one with China who is our biggest and most important trading partner,” said the good Minister. “We expect this event to rotate between our two countries annually. This initiative is part of our government’s aggressive push to pursue a stronger and deeper trade and investment relationship with China.” The Ministry and Department of International Trade and Investment will take charge of this forum. “We will be working very closely with the PNG Chamber of Resources and Energy, the private sector, SMEs, and government agencies to put together this very important business forum that we are sure will attract more foreign direct investments from China.” “The PNG private sector can also market investment opportunities across all sectors for Chinese capital and expertise to help develop our economy,” said Minister Maru. He said the details of the forum will be finalized and announced shortly. “In the meantime, we are looking at 500 delegates from each country – a total of 1,000 delegates. The event will coincide with the Canton Fair, the world's largest biannual trade show held in Guangzhou.” He went on to explain that by this way the PNG delegates will also attend this important fair that will feature tens of thousands of suppliers and a vast array of global supply chain products. Meanwhile, the Minister had issued specific instructions to Dr. Clement Waine to lead the arrangements in incorporating a PNG -China Business Council immediately with the help of PNG Ambassador to China, Dr. Thaddeus Kambanei, Beijing Chamber of Commerce, and the sister chambers across China.

Fifty-one students from Kiunga Secondary School in the North Fly District of Western Province have successfully produced oils and soaps using locally available aromatic and herbal plants as part of a practical assessment project.The Grade 11 students, studying biology, chemistry and agriculture, conducted research and processed various plant species into useful products during a practical lesson. Plants showcased during the project included avocado, neem, massoia tree bark, turmeric, lemon, moringa, orange and pawpaw. The activity demonstrated how communities in Western Province can use locally available herbal plants to process, preserve and market products for income generation and sustainable living. Agriculture teacher under the school’s science department, Mrs. Esther Noah, said the project focused on aromatic plants found in Kiunga and nearby villages, with students tasked to identify suitable plants and produce oils and soaps. She said the students applied their skills and knowledge effectively, proving that young people and communities in Western Province can use herbal plants to participate in small business activities. “This was also a life skill student have learned so when they finish secondary education, continue into tertiary studies or stay at home, they will continue to apply these skills to sustain their lives,” She added that the products developed by the students provide health and beauty benefits, including skin, hair, face and body care. Mrs. Noah also highlighted that under the Standard Based Curriculum (SBC), students are now able to perform strongly in both theoretical and practical learning. Science Head of Department, Mr. Sammy Jonne, commended both teachers and students for delivering the project, saying it would help students become skilled professionals in the future. “Local students can use these life skills and venture into small business activities using aromatic and herbal plants available in their villages.” “They can also share their ideas with people in the community so it can help them engage in small business activities.” Mr. Jonne said the school first introduced the assessment project in 2025, and this year marked the second presentation in Term Two. He said the science department plans to continue and expand similar projects in coming years. He encouraged students to value education and use their knowledge and skills to contribute to development in their villages, province and the country. The learning activity also encouraged teachers to explore innovative teaching approaches that strengthen both theoretical and practical learning across all subject areas. Kiunga Secondary School continues to implement the SBC system alongside Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) learning approaches, with the science department leading practical STEM-related activities for students.

His Excellency, Mr. Ewan McDonald, Australia's High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea and Honorable Kinoka Feo, Minister for Higher Education Research and Science Technology today officially launched the Pacific Australia Skills in Papua New Guinea Training program, at the Iduba Port Moresby Technical College, National Capital District. Pacific Australia Skills is the Australian Government's regional Skills and training program supporting quality skills for employment in the Pacific region. It focuses on skills for employment, supporting Papua New Guineans to gain the skills needed for jobs in Papua New Guinea. Speaking at the launching ceremony, Minister Feo said, that this launching event marks yet another milestone in the long-standing partnership between Papua New Guinea and Australia in advancing skills development, workforce capability and national development. “Today’s launch is simply not about the new program, it is about investing in people, it is about creating opportunities for our young people. And it is about strengthening the future of Papua New Guineans through quality technical and vocational education and training. “The Pacific Australia Skills program builds on the strong foundation established through the Australia Pacific Training Coalition (APTC), which has contributed significantly to skills training and workforce development across PNG and the Pacific region over many years,” said Minister Feo. Under Australia Pacific Training Coalition, the focus was large and direct training delivery through a central training provider module. Pacific Australia Skills represents the next phase of this partnership with emphasis on strengthening Papua New Guineas own institutions, systems, trainers and industry partnerships. “This new approach is so important because our long-term national objective is not only to train people, but to build a sustainable high quality and internationally competitive TVET system, led by Papua New Guinea and responsive to the needs of our economy. It also reflects our shared commitments with Australia to strengthen national skills systems, improve employment pathways, support labor mobility opportunities, promote inclusion and equity, and prepare our workforce for an emerging industry and greener economies,” said the Honorable Minister. He also emphasizes on coordination across TVET sector is now a major priority for the Government. This is part of valuable investments and must not operate in isolation. “Our goal is clear, one coordinated National TVET eco-system working towards shared outcomes for PNG. I therefore encourage all TVET, stakeholders, government agencies, development partners, training institutions, industries and the private sector to work together in genuine partnership and shared responsibilities. Minister Feo added that the government also wants to see young Papua New Guineans to have hope and the skills necessary to participate meaningfully in the economic growth of Papua New Guinea. “The future of PNG will not only be built through infrastructure investment, but it will also be built through shared knowledge, skills, innovation and productivity of our people. I therefore commend the Australian Government, all our partners for continued commitment to skills development in Papua New Guinea. On behalf of the Prime Minister and the Government of Papua New Guinea I officially welcome and support the Pacific Australia Skills program and look forward to a successful implementation for the benefit of our people and our nation. May God Bless our partnership.” Concluded Honorable Kinoka Feo. In his joint speech, His Excellency, Mr. Ewan McDonald said it is a pleasure to be part of the launching of Australia’s newest skills program and reiterate on the Ministers comments on the PNG-Australia partnership. “We have a long history in standing together, PNG and Australia. It’s a relationship built on trust, it’s a relationship built on mutual respect, and a shared commitment to the future of our two countries, and our broader pacific region. Today is about recognizing that skills training and employment are essential to PNG’s development and a critical part to our partnership,” he said. Ambassador MacDonald highlighted the June 2024 signing of the Renewed Joint Statement of Intent on the TVET program by PNG and Australia, which shows Australia’s commitment to improving the TVET sector in PNG to enable more Papua New Guineans to support the growing industry around PNG. And to benefit from the opportunity offered by Australia’s Labor mobility programs. “But the leadership, the ownership, and the delivery sit firmly with Papua New Guinean Institutions. And this is the model the joint statement calls for, and it’s the model that we are supporting and committed to support. Pacific Australia Skills is a practical demonstration of this commitment, operating alongside other PNG-Australia Partnership programs in TVET,” He added. Ambassador McDonald emphasized that the Pacific Australia Skills is stretched across nine (9) other countries in the Pacific and Timor-Leste region. While in PNG, it focuses on quality skills and training, employment opportunities, both domestically and internationally. While speaking of employment opportunities, Ambassador McDonald called out to the Australian businesses and employers to look into such training and the efforts that is put into the skills training here and to be assured that the people that will be coming out from this skills training can contribute to their businesses back in Australia. “Across all activity the program will work to empower more women, youth and people with disability, and people form rural and remote areas in Papua New Guinea to access education, skills development and employment opportunities. When all these things link up you see young Papua New Guineans flourish, young people take up these opportunities provided to them.” “Australia as a long-term partner, we are committed to delivering stronger systems, quality training and meaningful work opportunities for Papua New Guineans. When Papua New Guineas workforce is stronger, Papua New Guinea is stronger,” Concluded H.E, Mr. Ewen McDonald, Ambassador to Papua New Guinea.

British sailors have landed in the nation’s capital, disembarking from the HMS Tamar at the dock in Downtown Port Moresby. The British High Commission in Port Moresby is delighted to welcome the UK’s Royal Navy’s Offshore Patrol Vessel, HMS Tamar, to Port Moresby on her second official visit having previously visited in June 2023. The crew of HMS Tamar marched alongside sailors from the Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) naval element and other international partners in last year's 50th Anniversary Naval Freedom of Port Moresby. HMS Tamar is one of two UK Offshore Patrol Vessels deployed in the Indo-Pacific as part of the Royal Navy’s persistent presence in the region. She demonstrates the UK’s commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific by working with our partners and allies to promote maritime security and support humanitarian efforts. Over the past five years, she has sailed over 200,000 nautical miles (equivalent to more than nine times round the Earth’s equator) and played a vital role in supporting counter–illegal (IUU) fishing patrols with regional partners, delivering humanitarian aid, and conducting maritime exercises with Pacific Naval forces. Tamar is also one of the Royal Navy’s greenest ships, with cutting-edge technology and eco-friendly filters that reduce diesel emissions by 90%.

The National St John Ambulance Council Papua New Guinea (NStJA) has commissioned its first ambulance service in Unggai Bena District on 15th May 2026 marking a major milestone in expanding emergency pre-hospital healthcare access in the district. The service was established through a request and funding support from the Unggai Bena District Development Authority (DDA), in partnership with the Eastern Highlands Provincial Health Authority (EHPHA). Unggai Bena District, with a population of more than 75,000 people, consists of three Local Level Government areas: Upper Bena Rural, Lower Bena Rural, and Unggai Rural. Recruitment and training for ambulance officers were conducted in 2025, with four local recruits successfully completing their ambulance training program. In February 2026, a total of eight ambulance officers including four newly trained local officers and four experienced officers deployed from Port Moresby were stationed in the district. Since deployment, the ambulance team has conducted community awareness programs on emergency access, supported local events, and responded to more than 200 emergencies. Minister for Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology, Sports, and Member for Unggai Bena, Kinoka Feo welcomed the commissioning and acknowledged the partners involved. “Healthcare remains a priority for the district, and the establishment of the ambulance service is a major milestone for the people of Unggai-Bena,” Minister Feo said. “Our people can now access a fully equipped ambulance staffed by trained professionals who can provide critical pre-hospital emergency care from the scene of an incident through to hospital admission.” “This fills a significant gap in healthcare delivery within the district, and the DDA remains committed to supporting and strengthening the ambulance service in Unggai Bena.” He also acknowledged the Eastern Highlands Provincial Health Authority (PHA) for supporting the integration of the service into existing health programs. NStJA Commissioner and Chief Executive, Mr. Kai Tane said emergency response services play a critical role in saving lives. “Emergency healthcare is often the difference between life and death,” Mr. Tane said. “When a mother experiences complication during childbirth, when a child becomes critically ill, when there is a road accident or medical emergency timely ambulance response and trained pre- hospital care can save lives before a patient even reaches hospital.” He said the establishment of the service followed three years of planning and discussions between NStJA and the Unggai Bena DDA, beginning in 2023. “This is the first ambulance to be commissioned and there’s more to come,” he said. “With eight ambulance officers working 12-hour shifts, the people of Unggai Bena now have access to a 24-hour ambulance service, seven days a week.” He said services can be accessed through the National Ambulance Operations Centre (NAOC) on 303 1000 or the toll-free emergency number 111. Recruitment for a second ambulance service has already commenced, which will expand coverage across the district and create additional employment opportunities for local residents. “To the people of Unggai-Bena this ambulance belongs to you. Protect it, support it, and work with our officers so we can continue strengthening emergency services in the district,” Mr Tane said. NStJA Board Member Ms. Taimil Taylor said the commissioning reflects the organization’s commitment to expanding emergency healthcare access to rural communities. The service is expected to improve emergency response times and strengthen healthcare delivery across Unggai Bena District.

Wewak has marked a key step forward in provincial healthcare after CPL Group, through its City Pharmacy Medical and Lab Supplies Division, signed a Laboratory Equipment Lease Agreement with the East Sepik Provincial Health Authority (PHA). The three-year partnership is aimed at boosting diagnostic capacity in the province by supplying modern laboratory equipment, including biochemistry analyzers designed to deliver faster and more accurate patient test results. Beyond equipment supply, CPL MedLabs will also handle installation, staff training, ongoing maintenance, and a steady supply of consumables to keep laboratory operations running without disruption. The agreement was formally signed in Wewak between CPL Group representatives and ESPHA Chief Executive Officer Mr. Mathew Kaluvia. CPL Group Chief Operations Officer Pradeep Panda said the partnership is expected to directly improve healthcare delivery in the province. “This partnership will support healthcare providers in East Sepik with improved testing capacity, enabling quicker diagnosis and more informed treatment decisions,” Panda said. East Sepik Governor Allan Bird, who witnessed the signing, welcomed the agreement and said it addresses a long-standing challenge in provincial health services. He said laboratory limitations have been a major concern for the hospital, adding that partnerships like this are critical in bridging resource gaps. With the agreement now in place, CPL Group says it remains committed to supporting both provincial and national health systems through improved access to reliable medical testing and services across Papua New Guinea.