Strengthening One Health Antimicrobial Resistance health systems in Papua New Guinea for a healthier tomorrow — The Association Specialists
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  3. Strengthening One Health Antimicrobial Resistance health systems in Papua New Guinea for a healthier tomorrow

Strengthening One Health Antimicrobial Resistance health systems in Papua New Guinea for a healthier tomorrow (24202)

Amrita Ronnachit 1 , Gabriella Ak 2 , Ian Wani 3 , Zure Kombati 4 , Steven James 5 , Patrick Kiromat 6 , Paula Pupune 1 , Victor Musyoki 1 , Mona Kheng 1 , Kaba Ula 1 , Possawat Jorakate 1 , Kudakwashe Chani 1 , Puana Ilagi 7 , Willie Porau 8 , Vali Karo 9
  1. Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victora, Australia
  2. Port Moresby General Hospital, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea
  3. Goroka Provincial Hospital, Goroka, Papua New Guinea
  4. Mt Hagen Provincial Hospital, Mt Hagen, Papua New Guinea
  5. Angau Memorial Hospital, Lae, Papua New Guinea
  6. Rabaul Provincial Hospital, Rabaul, Papua New Guinea
  7. National Agriculture Quarantine and Inspection Authority, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea
  8. Central Public Health Laboratory, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea
  9. Department of Health, Ministry of Health, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea

Background:
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) continues to undermine the effectiveness of antimicrobial agents, compromising global healthcare and disproportionately affecting low- and middle-income countries. In Papua New Guinea (PNG), addressing AMR has been constrained by limited laboratory infrastructure, fragmented data systems, and weak multisectoral coordination. The Fleming Fund Country Grant (FFCG-PNG), launched in 2019, aimed to strengthen AMR, antimicrobial use (AMU), and antimicrobial consumption (AMC) surveillance through a One Health approach.

Methods:
We describe implementation of the FFCG-PNG program supporting country-led efforts to strengthen AMR, AMU, and AMC surveillance in alignment with the National Action Plan for AMR. Data were drawn from program reports, routine surveillance records, and documentation of stakeholder engagement across human, animal, and environmental health sectors. Implementation activities, outputs, and challenges were synthesised using predefined One Health-aligned indicators.

Results:
The program supported establishment of an integrated national AMR surveillance system underpinned by governance structures and workforce strengthening. This included five human health surveillance sites, two animal health specimen collection sites, strengthening of five diagnostic microbiology laboratories and two national reference laboratories, and generation of AMR data across human and animal health sectors. A multisectoral governance structure was established, including a National AMR Steering Committee, AMR Secretariat, and technical working groups spanning human, animal, and environmental health. The program improved cross-sector coordination and data generation; however, ongoing challenges included limited infrastructure, workforce constraints, and difficulties harmonising surveillance data across sectors.

Conclusions:
The FFCG-PNG program strengthened national AMR surveillance through laboratory capacity building, integrated multisectoral systems, and One Health governance structures. Sustained investment in infrastructure, workforce development, data systems, and institutionalisation within national policy will be essential to maintain and expand AMR surveillance capacity in PNG.