Australian High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea (PNG), H.E. Mr.r Ewen McDonald, has formally welcomed the return of infant Sawong and his parents, Kevin and Fetima, to Papua New Guinea following specialized medical treatment in Australia.

The High Commissioner also extended official condolences regarding Sawong’s twin brother, Tom, stating, "There are few things in life more precious than a happy, healthy, thriving baby. With joy and gratitude, I welcome baby Sawong and his parents, Kevin and Fetima, back home to Papua New Guinea. At the same time, I acknowledge and pay my respects to Sawong’s late twin brother, Tom, who sadly gave his life for Sawong to live."

The medical journey required significant endurance from the family and their local community. High Commissioner McDonald noted that the infant demonstrated exceptional resilience throughout the clinical process, successfully overcoming consecutive health challenges through remarkable tenacity.

The successful outcome was made possible through an international collaborative effort. The Australian Government facilitated the infant's specialized clinical care through the Sydney Children’s Hospital Network, working in coordination with multiple stakeholders. High Commissioner McDonald expressed formal gratitude to the family, network partners, church groups, civil society, and healthcare professionals in both Papua New Guinea and Australia, while also acknowledging the critical role of private donors who provided financial and in-kind logistics.

Following the successful repatriation, the High Commission confirmed that Australia remains committed to its bilateral development partnership with Papua New Guinea, specifically targeting health and welfare initiatives designed to secure positive long-term outcomes for children nationwide.