News – PNG Foundation

Report Kanabea visit June 2019

May 2019

The team consisted of dr Jan Zomerdijk, general practitioner, and his wife Janny Goris, public health dietitian. This year two other volunteers joined them; Sue Auchter, a paediatric nurse practitioner and her husband Graham Auchter, a handyman. They brought in from Australia a range of hospital supplies and solar LED

Kanabea Primary School

A range of teaching supplies was provided. The PNG Foundation made cement available for construction of two new classrooms and freight of desks. Hand-washing and hygiene and sanitation education was provided to all students and teachers.

Kanabea Hospital

Solar LED lights were installed in all wards and in the walkway. Also a deep cycle battery and generator were brought and installed. Major plumbing repairs have been done. A range of medical equipment was made available, including a fetal doppler, weighing scales, soap dispensers with soap for all wards,

Useful Links

The following are some useful links related to PNG Foundation: Save the Children – PNG Child Undernutrition Report UNICEF PNG Iodine Global Network School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of PNG Sisters of St Joseph of Cluny in Papua New Guinea

Solar Panel System for Kanabea

John Ward, CEO, convened a meeting regarding the proposed Solar Panel System for Kanabea with key PNG Government Departments and important NGOs working in PNG. ANT Energy Solutions presented on the proposed Solar Panel System design for which they will apply for funding from Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation; AusAid

Update: May 2018

More research has been conducted in area of Iodine deficiency in women and children and published in peer-reviewed journals. Please access the research here.

School sports equipment and iodine deficiency research

More medical equipment, including BP meter, suturing material and selected medicine supply was donated. Also baby clothes and beanies. Malnutrition research was continued, now investigating iodine status of school age children 6-12 years and iodine content of household salt. Again forty backpacks were donated to school children. Also sports equipment

Medical supplies, education, iodine deficiency continued

Again medical supplies were brought, including malaria rapid test kits. Baby clothes and beanies. Education for health staff provided. Malnutrition research was continued, now investigating iodine status of women 15-45 years and iodine content of household salt. In collaboration with the School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of PNG

Update: April 2018

A meeting was held with UNICEF PNG to discuss the research findings of poor overall malnutrition status of Kamea women and children and poor Iodine nutrition status. UNICEF PNG has decided to fund an intervention with micronutrient supplementation in Kotidanga area.