PNG Fulbright scholar brings health expertise home

THE U.S. Embassy in Port Moresby is pleased to announce that Beverly Hunney has

successfully completed her Fulbright Foreign Student Program and returned to Papua New

Guinea after earning a Masters of Public Health from the University of South Florida.

Ms Hunney's achievement represents the strong people-to-people ties between the United

States and Papua New Guinea, which continue to deepen through educational and professional

exchange programmes. Her advanced training in public health comes at a critical time as both

nations enhance cooperation in health security and capacity building. 

A trained midwife and former Obstetric and Gynecology Ward clinician at

Boram General Hospital under the East Sepik Provincial Health Authority, Ms. Hunney

pursued advanced study with a singular purpose: to reduce preventable maternal and child

deaths in Papua New Guinea's rural communities.

Her Masters of Public Health equipped her to identify and manage obstetric emergencies in

remote settings and — critically — to train rural health workers, teachers, pastors, church

elders, and village leaders to recognize warning signs and provide basic emergency care before

patients can reach a health facility.  

In a country of more than 800 languages, rugged terrain, and communities separated by

mountains and rainforest, that community-first approach is not just innovative — it is

essential. 

Ms. Hunney's expertise directly supports Papua New Guinea's National Health Plan Key Result

Areas 4 and 5, which prioritize reducing maternal mortality as a cornerstone of broader

community health and prosperity. 

Ms. Hunney's success exemplifies the transformative power of educational exchange.

Her expertise in public health will contribute significantly to Papua New Guinea's health sector

as our two countries work together to address shared challenges and build a healthier, more

prosperous future. 

Ms. Hunney's return aligns with the robust U.S.-PNG bilateral relationship, highlighted by the

second U.S.-Papua New Guinea Strategic Partnership Dialogue held in May 2026. Health

cooperation remains a key priority, with both nations committed to strengthening health

systems, disease prevention, and emergency response capabilities. 

The United States remains committed to fostering educational opportunities for Papua New

Guineans and supporting the development of future leaders who will contribute to their

communities and strengthen the enduring relationship between our two nations. 

The Fulbright Program, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, is the U.S. government's

flagship international educational exchange program. It provides opportunities for students,

scholars, and professionals to undertake graduate study, advanced research, and teaching

worldwide.

Story by Sam Vulum