Educators from nursing and community health worker programs across Papua New Guinea (PNG) have taken part in the second national Fast Track workshop, aimed at strengthening the country’s health workforce through improved teaching and learning practices.

he five-day workshop, held in Port Moresby, is part of the Strengthening Health Workforce Education (SHWE) Program, funded by the Australian Government and delivered in partnership with the University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG), the National Department of Health (NDoH), and the World Health Organisation Collaborating Centre for Nursing, Midwifery and Health Development at the University of Technology Sydney.

A total of 48 educators including 32 women and 16 men, representing 32 nursing and community health worker schools across PNG, participated in the program.

Through dynamic sessions and hands-on activities, participants engaged with modern teaching strategies, updated study plans, and contemporary assessment methods designed to better prepare students for the realities of healthcare in the country.

Lead Trainer Professor Di Brown, Professor of Nursing at the University of Technology Sydney, said the dedication of participants was both inspiring and impactful.

“It’s inspiring to witness the enthusiasm and commitment of these health educators. By embracing student-centred learning and modern assessment practices, they are not only elevating their own teaching but also shaping a more skilled and confident health workforce for the future.”

Meanwhile, Technical Advisor for HR Training at the National Department of Health, Mary Kililo, mentioned the long-term benefits of the program.

“This program is a vital step in strengthening the teaching capacity of our health workforce educators.”

“By empowering nursing and community health worker instructors with the right tools and confidence, we are laying a solid foundation for a stronger, more resilient health workforce in Papua New Guinea.”

The SHWE Program focuses on building capacity within health education, improving access to quality care, and equipping nurses and community health workers with the skills needed to address the evolving health challenges in PNG communities.