A Big Step Forward: Partners Gather to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis in PNG.

On 28 August, the second Joint Coordinating Committee (JCC) meeting on the “Elimination of Lymphatic Filariasis (LF) Project Phase 2” was held between the National Department of Health (NDoH), the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and the World Health Organization (WHO), highlighting key progress of the project. Over the course of the project, positive outcomes have been evident, particularly in achieving high Mass Drug Administration (MDA) coverage, including remote sites, through close collaboration with the Provincial Health Authorities (PHAs) and active community engagement. The operational rollout of MDA and post-MDA surveillance has been largely delivered within the well-planned coordination. The National Strategic Plan for Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) (2025-2029) was launched, outlining priority diseases for elimination, and PNG was officially awarded the certificate of elimination of trachoma in the health sector this year.

“The funding was the major factor affecting the project’s progress in implementing activities across the project sites,” noted Ms. Mary Yohogu, LF Technical Officer. She emphasized that systematic resource mobilization and proper awareness are crucial in creating the conditions for the public to access quality primary health services. Dr. Petronia Kaima, Acting/Manager of the Disease Control Unit, further highlighted,” Counterpart responsibility needs to be reaffirmed to ensure proper implementation and coordination, so that the project’s self-reliant operations can be sustained both during and after the implementation period.”

“The JCC’s approach should incorporate reliable facts and findings from the project, and align them with the monitoring and evaluation guidelines, so that the government can make informed decisions on funding,” reiterated the WHO Technical officer.

The public health challenges of LF and other NTDs can be overcome through integration approaches — bringing together diseases, programs and resources — and achieved by effective planning, strong coordination, robust workforce development, and close collaboration with committed partners. JICA will continuously cooperate for the elimination of Lymphatic Filariasis in Papua New Guinea.