Our Program Approach - PNG
Papua New Guinea faces significant health challenges, including high maternal and infant mortality rates, limited access to family planning, low childhood immunisation coverage, and the ongoing burden of communicable diseases such as tuberculosis and malaria. Many communities also lack access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene, further compounding public health risks.
The Santos Foundation works in partnership with Provincial Health Authorities in Hela, Southern Highlands, and Gulf provinces to strengthen local health systems and improve access to essential services. Our approach focuses on building capacity in leadership, workforce development, infrastructure, medical equipment, and health information systems.
Through technical advisory support and close collaboration with local health authorities, we aim to help deliver reliable, high-quality healthcare that reaches those who need it most. We thank our partners in Gulf, Hela, and Southern Highlands Provincial Health Authorities for their dedication and collaboration in this important work.
Program Spotlight
Delivering vital health care to remote communities in PNG
Reaching the unreachable
In many parts of Papua New Guinea, rugged terrain and limited infrastructure make it difficult for families to access even the most basic health services. Since 2019, the Accelerated Immunisation and Health System Strengthening (AIHSS) Project has been working to change that.
The Santos Foundation supports this critical initiative by funding integrated health patrols that bring essential care directly to remote communities. These patrols deliver services such as routine immunisation for children under five, antenatal care, family planning, and emergency referrals, ensuring that no one is left behind.
Why it matters
Routine immunisation is one of the most effective ways to reduce childhood mortality and prevent deadly diseases like measles and polio. Yet in many rural areas of PNG, immunisation rates remain dangerously low due to geographic isolation and limited access to health facilities.
By supporting AIHSS, the Santos Foundation helps bridge this gap, strengthening local health systems and expanding the reach of lifesaving care. These quarterly patrols are a lifeline for families in hard-to-reach areas, helping to reduce preventable diseases and improve long-term health outcomes.
We gratefully acknowledge the support of the Governments of Papua New Guinea, Australia, New Zealand, and Gavi, as well as the Gulf and Southern Highlands Provincial Health Authorities, for their partnership in delivering this vital work.
Why it matters
“Our performance improvements are a reflection of the support from our key partners. I was to specially thanks the Santos Foundation for the continuous support. The AIHSS project has significantly contributed to reach No.1 spot and we are so proud.”
Dr Joseph Birisi
CEO – Southern Highlands PHA
“The Santos Foundation has been a vital partner in strengthening health services across Hela Province. Their support in public health, governance, gender equality, and infrastructure has helped us reach remote communities fill critical gaps. We deeply value this genuine and respectful partnership.”
Dr James Kintwa
CEO – Hela PHA