Papua New Guinea and Australia have reaffirmed their commitment to reducing snakebite deaths by strengthening the country's health system and ensuring sustainable, nationally led snakebite management.

Representatives from the National Department of Health (NDoH), the Australian High Commission, CSL Seqirus and St John Ambulance PNG met recently for the PNG Snakebite Partnership Annual Meeting to review progress and discuss the future of snakebite care in the country.

A key outcome of the meeting was the continued transition of snakebite management into PNG's national health system. The current Memorandum of Agreement between NDoH and CSL Seqirus for the supply of antivenom remains in place until April 2027, providing time to strengthen national systems for a smooth handover.

In 2025, the partnership supported the distribution of 560 antivenom vials to high-risk provinces, including Central, Western and the National Capital District, where venomous snakes such as Papuan taipans and death adders are commonly found.

This has also expanded access to lifesaving treatment by reaching more than 70 health facilities across 15 provinces while improving the capacity of frontline healthcare workers to manage snakebite cases.

Since then, more than 3,000 lives have been saved, with children accounting for around 25 per cent of patients treated, highlighting the significant impact of snakebites on vulnerable communities.

St John Ambulance PNG's Dr Arabella Koliwan said snakebites remain a major health threat, particularly in rural and remote areas where access to medical care is often delayed.

"By strengthening the capacity of health workers and improving community awareness, more lives can be saved.”

National Department of Health representative Dr Dora Lenturut-Katal said the partnership continued to deliver positive results through strong collaboration.

"We are pleased to see the strong results delivered through the Snakebite Partnership and value the support provided by the Government of Australia, CSL Seqirus and St John Ambulance PNG."

"This partnership demonstrates what can be achieved through sustained collaboration and shared commitment to improving health outcomes.".

The partnership will continue to focus on maintaining reliable antivenom supplies, building the skills of frontline health workers and expanding community awareness and prevention programs in high-risk areas.

Through the PNG–Australia Snakebite Partnership, Australia is supporting PNG to strengthen its health system, improve access to timely diagnosis and treatment, and reduce preventable snakebite deaths.