Papua New Guinea

The National Health Plan (NHP) 2021–2030 of Papua New Guinea (PNG) aims to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by addressing systemic challenges and promoting equity, quality, and access in healthcare delivery. The NHP 2021–2030 builds on lessons learned from previous plans and focuses on inclusivity, disease prevention, and health promotion. PNG faces a dual burden of communicable and non-communicable diseases, with significant challenges including maternal and child mortality, rising lifestyle-related illnesses, and limited access to quality healthcare, particularly in rural areas. Existing health infrastructure and resource distribution remain insufficient to meet the population’s needs​. Provincial Health Authorities (PHAs) are now central to service delivery, ensuring alignment with the national plan. However, disparities in governance, workforce shortages, and inadequate financing persist. Out-of-pocket health expenditures and gaps in essential services pose barriers to achieving equitable health outcomes​. The NHP adopts five Key Result Areas (KRAs): healthier communities, partnerships, access to quality health services, addressing disease burdens, and strengthening health systems. Specific goals include revitalizing primary care, improving referral systems, addressing social determinants of health, and enhancing infrastructure and health workforce capacity. The plan also emphasizes digital health, regulatory reforms, and financial sustainability​. Despite its ambitious goals, the success of the NHP depends on overcoming resource constraints, strengthening governance, and fostering collaboration among stakeholders. The integration of data-driven decision-making and innovative solutions will be critical to bridging service delivery gaps and ensuring health equity across all regions. The NHP 2021–2030 sets a comprehensive framework for improving health outcomes in PNG but requires sustained efforts and investment to achieve its objectives.