Papua New Guinea (PNG) has achieved a massive public health milestone by slashing its malaria mortality rate by 92%—dropping from 13 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants down to just 1. What makes this victory remarkable is that it was accomplished entirely without a vaccine rollout, relying instead on a coordinated execution of classic prevention and treatment tools. The Key Numbers The Death Toll: Annual malaria deaths nationwide plummeted from 700 in the year 2000 down to 148 la

Remote Lifeline: In the mountainous highlands of Papua New Guinea, where medical care is virtually non-existent, a specialized helicopter medevac service provides a critical lifeline [00:00]. Emergency Rescue: The video follows the rescue of a weak and ill patient named Lucy [00:18]. Too sick to walk, her helpers carry her on a handmade bush stretcher [00:15] to reach the helicopter crew, led by head nurse Audrey Taula [00:24]. Hospital Hurdles: Lucy is rushed to Angau Memori

The most prominent "Bismarck Sea volcano" research from GEOMAR centers on Ritter Island. In March 1888, the Ritter Island volcano experienced a massive sector collapse—a 4-cubic-kilometer chunk of the island slid into the sea—triggering a devastating tsunami that reached shorelines up to 600 kilometers away. GEOMAR scientists have extensively studied the seafloor deposits left by this event to create benchmarks for modeling landslide-generated tsunamis. Other research in the

Join the Pacific Manuscripts Bureau for the launch of The Fox Brothers in New Guinea. This book tells the extraordinary story of twin brothers, Tom and Jack Fox, who served in WWI before becoming elite "outside men" and gold prospectors in Papua New Guinea. Date: Wednesday 27 May. Time: 09:30 - 10:30 AEST. Location: Online via Zoom (Registration required). The Pacific Manuscripts Bureau invites you to join us for the launch of The Fox Brothers in New Guinea. This is the

The article from Radio New Zealand reports that a ban on the satellite internet provider Starlink has been overturned by the National Court in Papua New Guinea (PNG), allowing the service to resume operations in the country. Here is a summary of the key developments: 1. The Court Ruling The National Court of PNG quashed the previous ban, which had been implemented by the National Information and Communications Technology Authority (NICTA). The court ruled that the decision to

The article "PNG missing out on the Pacific remittances boom," published on May 6, 2026, by the Devpolicy Blog, details why Papua New Guinea (PNG) is lagging behind its Pacific neighbors in benefiting from regional labor mobility schemes. Here is a summary of the key findings: 1. The Remittance Gap While countries like Tonga, Samoa, Vanuatu, and Timor-Leste are experiencing a "remittance boom" due to labor schemes in Australia (PALM) and New Zealand (RSE), PNG remains a signi

Digital poverty in Papua New Guinea (PNG) is characterized by a significant connectivity gap compared to its Asia-Pacific neighbors, driven largely by the country's difficult geography and economic monopolies. Current Connectivity Landscape Access vs. Usage: While internet access was introduced in 1997, true internet penetration remains at about 32% (3.3 million users). Although roughly 60% of adults have used the internet at least once, only 36% have a consistent mobile conn

The article from The National details the devastating impact of Cyclone Maila across five provinces in Papua New Guinea, leading to at least 12 confirmed deaths and widespread infrastructure damage. Key Impacts and Casualties Fatalities: 11 deaths were reported in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville (AROB), primarily due to landslides and flooding in the Kongara and Kieta areas. One death occurred on Gawa Island in Milne Bay when a falling coconut tree struck a man atte

The population and demography of Papua New Guinea (PNG) reflect a nation experiencing steady growth and a relatively young age structure. Based on the data from Our World in Data, here is a summary of the key indicators as of 2023: Population Size and Growth Total Population: Estimated at 10.39 million in 2023. Growth Rate: The population is growing at a rate of 1.8% annually. While significant, this is a slight decrease from higher historical growth rates. Future Project

PNG government changing values

The World Bank’s press release, "Turning Resource Wealth into Jobs Key to PNG’s Development Ambitions," (March 23, 2026) outlines a roadmap for Papua New Guinea (PNG) to transform its natural resource wealth into sustainable economic growth and human capital. The summary of the key findings and recommendations is as follows: 1. The Challenge: A Disconnect Between Wealth and Results Despite a rapidly expanding resource sector where production nearly doubled between 2013 and 2

According to the EWTN News report, one year after Papua New Guinea (PNG) passed a constitutional amendment to formally declare itself a Christian nation, Catholic leaders suggest the change has been largely symbolic with little impact on the country's actual social or political issues. The key points of the report include: The Constitutional Change The Amendment: In March 2025, PNG's Parliament voted 80–4 to amend the constitution's preamble to explicitly acknowledge the Tri

Two marsupial species previously known only from 6,000-year-old fossil records have been documented alive in the remote rainforests of West Papua, New Guinea. Researchers, including renowned biologist Tim Flannery, identified these "Lazarus species"—taxa that reappear after a long absence from the fossil record—through a combination of new photographs, museum specimen re-examination, and recent field observations. ​The two species identified are: ​ The Pygmy Long-Fingered Pos

Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape views the entry of the PNG Chiefs into the NRL (slated for 2028) as much more than a sporting milestone. He positions the team as a long-term business, nation-building, and unification strategy for the country. Key Points: Massive Economic Boost: By 2028, Port Moresby anticipates an influx of 3,000 to 5,000 visitors every second week for home games. This consistent tourism is expected to inject millions of Kina into the local econ

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of Papua New Guinea’s independence (1975–2025), the National Gallery of Australia (NGA) has launched a major exhibition titled Bilong Papua New Guinea: Reflecting on 50 Years of Independence . The exhibition charts the nation’s journey from its deep ancestral roots and colonial history under Australian administration to its emergence as a modern, sovereign nation. Key Highlights of the Exhibition: Artistic Evolution: The display showcases h

One of our guest speakers at the upcoming Papua New Guinea Revelaed: A Pearl Expeditions Luncheon on the 5th of March 2026 has been nominated for an award for his lastest documentary on Papua New Guinea. His documetary "PNG: Road to Independence" has been nominated for an AIDC (Australian Internation Documentary Conference in the Best Documentary - Factual Single category Max will be co-hosting a luncheon with Ray Martin at the Chatswood Golf Club so come along to hear powerf

Whilst PNG celebrates 50 years of independence, whats next?

On January 14, 2026, the PNG Chiefs officially appointed Lorna McPherson as the franchise’s inaugural Chief Executive Officer. This move is a critical step in the club's preparation for its entry into the NRL competition, scheduled for 2028 . Key Highlights of the Appointment: Strategic Leadership: McPherson was chosen for her extensive experience in driving commercial growth and her deep-rooted connections within Papua New Guinea. Rugby League Background: She has been in

This article from Scuba Diver Magazine details a liveaboard diving expedition in Milne Bay, Papua New Guinea , aboard the MV Oceania . The region is highlighted as one of the most biodiverse marine environments in the world, offering a unique blend of reef, wall, muck, and wreck diving. Key Highlights of the Expedition: Diverse Ecosystems: Milne Bay covers 253,000 km² of "sea country." Its geography provides calm waters sheltered by mountain ranges, making it ideal for vari

🛳️ Overview Pearl Expeditions’ Paspaley Pearl offers a boutique expedition cruise through some of Papua New Guinea’s most remote and culturally rich regions . The voyage is designed for deep cultural immersion and exploration rather than typical tourist sightseeing, with a focus on respectful engagement with local communities and landscapes. 🌊 Life Onboard The ship feels more like an intimate floating boutique hotel , with calm, personalised service and thoughtful design