Current Diabetes Initiatives in PNG

â Resources for Professionals

STEPs study on Prevalence

A STEPs study was done in 2007 -8 to document the prevalence of diabetes, hypertension, and non-communicable disease risk factors. The study was conducted by HOPE worldwide (PNG) and funded by the World Health Organization (WHO) using WHO procedures. Results are being analysed and preliminary results should be available in August 2009.

Three year plan to improve diabetes services in PNG

In April 2009, HOPE worldwide (PNG), in partnership with the PNG Department of Health, commenced a three–year program to improve diabetes services in PNG. The program is funded by the World Diabetes Foundation http://www.worlddiabetesfoundation.org/

The goal is to improve the quality, effectiveness and accessibility of all aspects of diabetes care, and thereby reduce the burden of diabetes related complications in Papua New Guinea.

Objectives are:

  1. Training of health professionals in diabetes diagnosis and care
  2. Enhanced capacity, effectiveness, and penetration of diabetes health services in the main hospitals seeing people with diabetes
  3. Production and distribution of national education materials
  4. Writing, distribution and use of national treatment guidelines
  5. Establishment of three community education programs in areas of high prevalence, to lead to primary and secondary prevention
  6. Raised public awareness, and increased reach of the Diabetic Association of PNG

For further information, please contact Robert Pugu akose@online.net.pg, or Dr. Graham Ogle Graham_Ogle@hopeww.org