Enteric diseases remain a major contributor to poor health outcomes in Papua New Guinea

Horwood, Paul F.;Greenhill, Andrew R.

Abstract

[Extract] In 1995 this journal released a focus issue on enteric infections. In the editorial of that issue, Passey (1) discussed the impact on service delivery that was caused by the ongoing humanitarian emergencies that were occurring in Papua New Guinea (PNG) at the time, such as the conflict in Bougainville, the volcanic eruption in Rabaul, the influx of refugees from Papua Province of Indonesia (known then as Irian Jaya) and the crisis in government funding. Almost 20 years have passed since the release of the previous enteric focus issue and while the humanitarian emergencies of that time have been resolved, service delivery remains poor. This is despite a 2.2-fold increase in per capita gross domestic product(2). The recent investments in the resource sector have not yet translated into improved access to satisfactory health service delivery or the provision of basic services such as safe water supplies and sanitation, although it is recognized that provision of such infrastructure and services, in itself, will not result in improved health outcomes. In this Focus Issue of the Journal we highlight recent research into enteric diseases in PNG and discuss the progress needed for improved prevention and treatment of enteric infections.

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Papua New Guinea Medical Journal

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0031-1480

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3-4

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Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research

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