This International Women’s Day, the Santos Foundation is recognising the ongoing success to improving healthcare for women of Hela and Southern Highlands provinces in Papua New Guinea through free and accessible cervical cancer screening clinics.
In many communities, women carry families, homes, businesses and community life — and when they are healthy, the entire community thrives and gains, which is the spirit of International Women’s Day 2026 and its theme, “Give to Gain.”
Cervical cancer is one of Papua New Guinea’s most preventable diseases yet for many women—especially in remote communities—early detection has long been out of reach. In 2023, the Hela and Southern Highlands Provincial Health Authorities identified Human Papillomavirus (HPV) screening as urgent, recognising that early diagnosis and treatment saves lives. Establishing partnerships with both provincial health authorities, the Santos Foundation is investing in locally led women’s health services to help close this gap.
The Foundation, in collaboration with the Kirby Institute at UNSW, supported the establishment of PNG’s first HPV‑based cervical screening and same‑day treatment clinics—opening at Mendi General Hospital’s Well Women’s Clinic in June 2024 and later at Tari Provincial Hospital’s Wali Anda Clinic in August 2025. Wali Anda, meaning “Women’s House” in the Huli language, provides a safe and trusted space, enabling women to access lifesaving care closer to home.
These clinics, staffed entirely by trained local health workers, strengthen provincial systems while ensuring culturally safe and dignified care. Since 2024, 7,324 women have been screened across Mendi and Tari with same‑day treatment rates of 88% across the two clinics.
Between August and October 2025 alone, Wali Anda Clinic’s Health Extension Officer Imelda Martin and her team screened 863 women, identifying 232 HPV‑positive cases and providing same‑day treatment for 169.
Local health leaders say the clinics are shifting how communities think about prevention with their work helping to remove long‑standing barriers that once kept women from seeking timely care.
Senior Nurse and Master Trainer at the Mendi Well Women’s Clinic, Sr Natha Takuna shared: “Every woman who walks through these doors is met with care, dignity, and hope.”
By giving women access to respectful, accessible healthcare with dignity, communities gain stronger mothers, daughters, leaders and contributors.
By giving local health workers training and resources, provinces gain a sustainable, resilient health system that can support the healthcare journey of women for generations.
With the support of the Santos Foundation thousands of women now have access to these free HPV screening clinics which stand as a powerful reminder: when we give women the care they deserve, we all gain—healthier families, stronger communities, and a brighter future for Hela and the Southern Highlands.
END
