Current Activities

The Paediatric Society met in Port Moresby in June 2014 at the Annual Mid-Year Meeting.  The National Child Health Plan 2009-2020 was revised and updated.  Some of the key points of progress highlighted in the first 5 years of the Plan were

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1. Reductions in malaria

2. Vaccines: Hib in 2008 and Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (2014)

3. Slowing of HIV epidemic, introduction of PCR for early infant diagnosis

4. Increased training of paediatricians through the UPNG DCH and Master of Medicine program, and improved paediatrician coverage in provinces

5. Better surveillance and outcome data at hospital level through the Paediatric Hospital Reporting program

6. Introduction of zinc and better coverage of vitamin A

7. Changes beyond the health sector

   • Improved education, some provinces with free education

   • Primary school enrolments up 300,000

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It was recognised that there are still gaps

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1. Old conditions not solved  

   • Tuberculosis

   • HIV

   • Measles

   • Pneumonia

   • Severe malnutrition

   • Dysentery, typhoid

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2. The “new morbidities”

   • Developmental disability

   • Long-term implications of chronic illness

   • Adolescent health

   • Cancer, heart disease

   • Obesity

   • Child mental health