Health stakeholders’ engagement forum underway

Caption: Secretary Kase and Ambassador North both at the head of the table, with the experts.

By MATTHEW VARI

Wednesday, December 4, 2013 (Midweek Chronicle, PNG)

The US Embassy’s Health team in collaboration with the Department of Health kicked off the week long PNG Health Stakeholders Engagement Forum in Port Moresby from December 2 to 6, at the Health Department conference room on Monday.

Launched by Health Secretary Pascoe Kase, the forum will connect Papua New Guinean health stakeholders, US government health stakeholders, and other international donor partners to discuss the theme of how to develop human capacity in the health sector as the foundation for sustainability. 

This forum is part of the US Health team’s objective to fully engage the people of PNG through its government and civil society in the development of the US government’s integrated and coordinated health engagement strategy.

Secretary Kase thanked the US delegation and the American embassy for their assistance in helping the country identify and create strategies to help alleviate help issues faced by the nation.

“The US is coming in a big way to assist us and it is an honour to have you here Ambassador Walter North.”

“We have issues in capacity building such as at the University of Papua New Guinea, which has been neglected for a while.”

“We would want to reach your health status, which is one of the very best in the world- I look forward to work with you, and we welcome any comments on issues you see,” Kase said.

Ambassador Walter North made mention of President Obama’s commitment to the region through the “Pivot to the Pacific” concept.

“It is time for us to ensure that citizens enjoy the benefits of the many resources this country has, and make sure that they reach the people.”

“Secretary of State John Kerry has made health diplomacy a key in growth, and we have a responsibility as a government to protect our citizen, which is a win-win situation for the rest of the world.”

The ambassador reminded those present not to think of the program as one that accompanied financial gains, but as one that would bring in expertise and intelligence.

“Health industry is about people, and relationships, and it is a pleasure to be here.”

He, however,made mention of the negativity that surrounded the sector, and emphasized the importance of accountability, mediocrity placed in the media about the way the sector was run on a daily basis.

“I have to be honest, I pick up the newspaper on a daily basis and see a disconnect- the headlines are about accountability, and other issues of medicines not reaching their intended destinations.”

He said that the report could not be true, but reminded those present that what resources that were being used in the sector was for the people therefore they must be used efficiently and intelligently.

“It is not necessary for us to be here in a big way, but it is necessary for us to be here in a smart way,” he said. 

The event will connect key stakeholders with similar interests to begin a dialogue and exchange of ideas for future engagement, assessment of PNG’s current challenges, successes, and capabilities in the health arena. 

In addition to discussion of key issues, the Forum will provide an ideal opportunity to explore new opportunities for international governmental and public-private partnerships to strengthen PNG’s public health sector.

Under the leadership of Papua New Guinea’s Ministry of Health, many other PNG health agencies will be represented.  In-country local partners participating in the Forum include: PNG Tribal Foundation, Australian Aid Health Program, Coca-Cola, ExxonMobil, Digicel, GE, AspenMedical, and CPL Group.

Several representatives from the following US government health agencies are in the country from their offices to participate in the forum: USAID, Department of Defense, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), National Institutes of Health, National Cancer Institute, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, the last four of which are part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.  

Leading medical academic institutions including Baylor University, University of Minnesota, and the non-profit organization, Project CURE will also be sending representatives to the Forum in Port Moresby.

Focus topic areas will be non-communicable diseases (cancer, alcohol and drug abuse), communicable diseases (malaria and TB), military health, and crosscutting areas such as research, policy, and HIV/AIDS.