Fueling the future of nutrition leadership

Participants with Australia High Commission representatives and their facilitators.  

AUSTRALIA is supporting Papua New Guinea’s health workforce to strengthen its capacity to respond to malnutrition and improve community health across the country.

Recently, a cohort of 28 Papua New Guinean health professionals have graduated from the Australia Awards Graduate Certificate in Nutrition, building the skills and knowledge to address one of the country’s most significant public health challenges – malnutrition.

The graduation ceremony marked the completion of an intensive programme delivered in partnership with the University of Newcastle.

The programme equipped participants with practical skills in nutrition, data analysis and programme design and supports them to deliver screening programmes and work directly with communities. 

Participants also developed communication and counselling skills to help families adopt healthier nutrition practices. 

Malnutrition remains a challenge in PNG and strengthening local expertise is critical to improving health outcomes and supporting long-term development.

Dr Kalen Karapen speaking on behalf of the cohort during the graduation ceremony. 

The Graduate Certificate in Nutrition aligns with key national priorities, including the National Nutrition Policy 2016–2026, National Health Plan 2021–2030, and PNG Vision 2050. 

It also incorporates principles of gender equality, disability and social inclusion (GEDSI), and recognises the role of culture, social systems and climate change in shaping food security.

Dr Kalen Karapen, one of the graduates, reflected on the cohort’s achievements and their shared commitment to improving nutrition outcomes across PNG.

“The course highlighted the growing burden of oral cancer in PNG. Within increasing rates of oral cancer, nutrition has become an important contributing factor to addressing advocacy and prevention.

“This reinforced my commitment to advocate for nutrition as part of oral cancer prevention and patient support, especially in the hospital setting where I practice, and also communities where access to care is limited,” said Dr Karapen.

The programme helps address shortages of qualified nutrition professionals and strengthens PNG’s ability to respond to complex challenges such as stunting and wasting, as well as rising rates of overweight and obesity.

Australia remains a committed partner in supporting a healthier, more resilient PNG through long-term investments in education, skills development and institutional capacity.