Papua New Guinea has successfully carried out its first kidney transplants, with both recipients now recovering well at Port Moresby General Hospital (PMGH) has announced.
The historic surgeries were performed on 14 and 15 May 2025, in partnership with UK-based charity Transplant Links Community (TLC). They mark a milestone for PNG’s healthcare system and coincide with the country’s 50th independence anniversary.
A 58-year-old woman from Enga Province, diagnosed with kidney failure in 2022, received a kidney from her 24-year-old niece. The second patient, a 56-year-old woman from Central Province, was given a kidney by her 40-year-old younger sister after being diagnosed in 2023.
Both patients began passing urine within 24 hours of surgery – a key sign of transplant success – and remain under close observation.
PMGH Chief Executive Dr Paki Molumi described the operations as a “national breakthrough”, saying: “We are pleased to report that both transplant recipients and their donors are doing well. Their recovery has been steady.”
The procedures were led by Papua New Guinean urologists and trained transplant surgeons Dr Damien Hasola, Dr Sidney James, and Dr Chris Munguas, supported by TLC specialists. A multidisciplinary team of anesthesiologists, nurses, pathologists, radiologists, and support staff assisted in the operations.
Prime Minister James Marape, who visited the operating theatre during the second surgery, praised the courage of the patients and their families, calling the achievement “medical history for PNG”. He said the development aligned with his government’s vision to reduce reliance on overseas medical treatment.
Dr Hoxson Okti Poki, chairman of the Kidney Transplant Program Steering Committee, said the success reflected “years of dedication and collaboration” and positioned PNG to undertake more organ transplants in the future.
Lead surgeon Dr Hasola described the achievement as “a gesture of hope” for patients who would otherwise need costly overseas treatment. “For this to happen during our 50th independence anniversary is a dream come true,” he said.
The transplants were made possible with financial backing from the National Fisheries Authority, which contributed K10 million to help PMGH build capacity for specialist care.
PMGH and the National Department of Health say they plan to expand the programme, continue training local staff, and strengthen renal care services in the coming months.