Blogs

Where to Get Help: A Healthcare Referral Pathway for Survivors of Gender-Based Violence in Papua New Guinea

This post contains descriptions of domestic and intimate partner violence which some readers may find distressing. If you or someone you know needs support, 1 Tok Kaunselin Helpim Lain offers immediate tele-counselling and referral services across Papua New Guinea: +(675) 7150-8000. For doctors and frontline health workers, cases such as the previous article (Survivor on…
A guide for GBV assessment for health workers in Papua New Guinea

This post contains descriptions of domestic and intimate partner violence which some readers may find distressing. If you or someone you know needs support, 1 Tok Kaunselin Helpim Lain offers immediate tele-counselling and referral services across Papua New Guinea: +(675) 7150-8000. A gender-based violence assessment should be survivor-centred, confidential, non-judgemental and guided by informed consent.…
The Burden of Sorcery-Related Violence and Injury in Papua New Guinea.

Sorcery accusation-related violence (SARV) remains one of the most serious human rights, public health and law enforcement challenges in Papua New Guinea (PNG). SARV refers to acts of assault, torture, injury, displacement and homicide committed against individuals accused of practising sorcery or witchcraft. Although beliefs in sorcery have long existed in Melanesian societies, violence arising…
Cancer Awareness Visit to Jack’s of PNG

October is the month dedicated to breast cancer awareness. Earlier this month, I had the privilege of joining one of my colleagues and one of my bosses to visit Jack’s of PNG warehouse at Hohola, Port Moresby, for a cancer awareness program organized by the PNG Cancer Foundation. The Foundation regularly coordinates visits by doctors…
What is a Full Blood Examination?

A Full Blood Examination (FBE), also known as a Full Blood Count (FBC) or Complete Blood Count (CBC), is one of the most commonly requested blood tests in hospitals and clinics across Papua New Guinea. Whether a patient is well or unwell, the FBE is often one of the first tests done. The name “full…
Pathology as a Career in Papua New Guinea

Introduction Pathology is the study of disease. Pathology is important because in order to treat a disease we need to identify, confirm the disease and understand how the disease works. Pathology is the bridge between science and medicine. If you’ve ever been to hospital and had to get a blood test, that is a pathology…