The National Capital District Provincial Health Authority (NCDPHA) proudly joins Pacific Adventist University in hosting the Lifestyle Medicine Symposium, themed “Habits That Heal: Transforming Health Through Lifestyle Medicine.”
The symposium brings together health professionals and academics to highlight the importance of lifestyle interventions such as nutrition, physical activity, stress management, and preventive care in reducing the burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
The Chief Executive Officer of the National Capital District Provincial Health Authority, Dr. Robin Oge said, “Lifestyle medicine is a powerful tool in our fight against preventable diseases. He said that by promoting healthier habits and empowering communities with knowledge, we can transform health outcomes across Port Moresby and Papua New Guinea. Dr. Oge said, “This symposium is a timely reminder that prevention is not only possible but essential”.
He emphasized that NCDPHA is confronting the triple burden of disease in the city: high rates of communicable diseases such as tuberculosis (830 cases recorded in 2025), alongside rising non-communicable diseases including diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, metabolic disorders, trauma, and injuries. Dr. Oge noted that Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) remain a neglected area in PNG, with alarming statistics showing:
- 8.5% of Papua New Guineans living with diabetes.
- Nearly 30% of men and women are experiencing raised blood pressure, increasing the risk of stroke and heart attack.
- Over 1,600 women die annually from cervical cancer nationwide.
To address these challenges, NCDPHA will launch the HPV vaccination program in September, targeting girls aged 9–14 to reduce cervical cancer rates in the future.
Dr. Oge also highlighted the impact of rapid urbanization and lifestyle changes, noting that more than 50% of residents in the National Capital District live in settlements where dietary transition from organic food to processed food has worsened health outcomes.
Despite challenges such as failing infrastructure, workforce shortages, financial constraints, and data gaps, NCDPHA is advancing solutions. Data issues will be addressed through partnerships with the University of New South Wales and the George Institute.
NCDPHA is committed to strengthening lifestyle medicine and primary healthcare through:
- Implementing an integrated, people-centred public healthcare model, directing resources to communities and primary facilities.
- Developing Moresby South District Hospital as a centre for prevention and lifestyle medicine.
- Recruiting 500 Village Health Assistants (VHAs) across the three districts to address both communicable and non-communicable diseases and improve referral pathways. Thirty VHAs have already been recruited and are actively serving communities.
- Expanding community awareness campaigns on healthy eating, exercise, and mental well-being.
- Building capacity among health workers to improve early screening, counselling, and treatment.
- Strengthening partnerships with academic institutions and NGOs to advance research and innovative approaches to NCD prevention and treatment.
NCDPHA will continue to lead in prevention, treatment, and community empowerment. By strengthening lifestyle medicine and primary healthcare, we are building a healthier future for the people of Port Moresby and the Motu Koita communities.
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