HIGH COMMISSION OF CANADA SUPPORTS ONE HEALTH INITIATIVE

The Tree Kangaroo Conservation Program (TKCP) has received vital support from the High Commission of Canada to boost its ‘One Health’ program in Papua New Guinea.

This contribution will help expand TKCP’s work with the Morobe and Madang Provincial Health Authorities, as well as other health organizations, to promote and localize the One Health approach throughout the YUS Conservation Area on the Huon Peninsula.

The YUS area is remote, with many communities lacking basic social services such as medical care and health education.

To address this gap, TKCP has adopted a holistic approach to conservation, integrating health and environmental solutions.

The One Health program aims to empower local communities with knowledge, skills, and resources to tackle health issues like nutrition, respiratory illnesses, hygiene, sanitation, and water quality, in alignment with PNG’s National Department of Health.

In 2024, TKCP conducted extensive community discussions across the YUS area, gathering feedback on how to manage the conservation area and improve health outcomes.

This process led to the redesign and relaunch of the One Health program, which focuses on women’s health and local leadership while maintaining the ecological integrity of the YUS region.

The Acting High Commissioner of Canada to PNG, Manon Dumas, along with Canada Fund for Local Initiatives Manager Alex Croyle, visited Lae to meet with TKCP Executive Director Modi Pontio.

They discussed the project’s goals, including training village birth attendants, distributing safe delivery kits, and conducting family planning educational talks during a planned visit to YUS in November.
Pontio explained the long-term goal of the project.

“We aim to empower YUS community members and health workers with the tools and knowledge to safeguard human health by maintaining a healthy relationship with their local environment and natural resources.”

Dumas expressed her support for the initiative.

“Canada shares PNG’s commitment to biodiversity, and we are excited to see the positive impact of this project.”

“The comprehensive approach adopted by TKCP is exemplary.”

“Work is already underway to establish a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Morobe Provincial Health Authority to further address the pressing health needs of YUS communities.”

For more information about the Tree Kangaroo Conservation Program, visit www.treekangaroo.org.