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About
About the Paediatric Society of Papua New Guinea
Established in the 1970s, the Paediatric Society of Papua New Guinea has evolved into a vital professional body committed to improving the health and well-being of children and adolescents across the country and the Pacific region. From its modest beginnings with just 10 to 20 members in the 1980s and 1990s, the Society now boasts a membership of over 80 dedicated professionals. While most members are paediatricians and postgraduate paediatric trainees, the Society also welcomes paediatric nurses, health extension officers, and other child health practitioners, reflecting its inclusive and collaborative approach.
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The Society plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of child health in Papua New Guinea. It maintains strong partnerships with key institutions such as the National Department of Health and the School of Medicine and Health Sciences at the University of Papua New Guinea. The Society also includes active members from neighboring Pacific Island nations, especially the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu, fostering regional collaboration.
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Core responsibilities of the Paediatric Society include developing and regularly updating clinical and public health guidelines based on the latest scientific evidence. As the custodian of national paediatric clinical standards, the Society ensures that healthcare providers across the country have access to best-practice protocols.
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The Society advises the Department of Health on a broad spectrum of child and adolescent health issues, from clinical care and disease prevention to social and environmental health factors. It also plays a critical role in public education, raising awareness on vital topics such as breastfeeding, immunization, nutrition, and school attendance.
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Further, the Society works closely with medical and nursing education institutions to ensure health training programs align with national child health policies. It supports continuous professional development by organizing training opportunities for paediatricians and child health nurses, helping them maintain up-to-date skills and knowledge. Beyond its technical work, the Society serves as a collegial body, offering professional and peer support to its members, and fostering a shared commitment to the health of future generations.
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The roles of the Paediatric Society include the following:
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To develop and maintain standards of paediatric clinical care and public health, according to the latest evidence. The Society is the custodian of clinical guidelines, and ensures they are kept up to date.
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To provide guidance to the Department of Health on all aspects of child and adolescent health, including clinical practice, quality and safety and outcomes, social, environmental and preventative health, vaccine-preventable diseases, and emerging or neglected child and adolescent health issues. The advice is based on scientific evidence and professional experience and wisdom.
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To provide advice to the community on important aspects of child health, for example through involvement in public awareness about breastfeeding, immunization, nutrition and school attendance.
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To work closely with training institutions to provide input on health training curricula, so that nursing, under-graduate medical training and courses for other health workers reflect the national child and adolescent health policies and guidelines.
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To develop continuing professional development for paediatricians and child health nurses to ensure the maintenance of professional skills, knowledge and standards
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To be a collegiate society providing professional and peer support to members
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This web-site contains information relevant to child health in PNG and other Pacific Island countries.
Every child deserves a chance to grow, thrive,
and shine — and we’re here to make it happen.
Our Mission
To advance child and adolescent health in Papua New Guinea and the Pacific by:
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Promoting evidence-based clinical care and public health practices.
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Providing expert guidance to health authorities and communities.
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Supporting ongoing education and training for health professionals.
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Advocating for child health policies that reflect equity, quality, and sustainability.
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Fostering collaboration among healthcare workers, institutions, and regional partners to strengthen paediatric care at every level.
Our Vision
A Papua New Guinea where every child and adolescent enjoys the highest standard of health, supported by compassionate care, informed policies, and empowered health professionals.