Health officers trained to fight fraud and protect communities

Twenty-eight health officers from four provinces- Southern Highlands, Eastern Highlands, East Sepik, and Morobe have completed a two-day fraud and safeguarding training in Mt Hagen.

The training, conducted under the PNG–Australia Partnership through the PATH [Transition to Health] program, focused on preventing fraud, child abuse, and sexual exploitation in the health sector.

It also aimed to prepare Provincial Health Authorities [PHAs] to properly manage donor funds and strengthen accountability.

Participants included finance, HR, internal audit, and policy officers who learned how to detect risks, report misconduct, and enforce compliance with government and donor policies.

Public Finance Management Specialist Denny Beiyo said the PHAs must ensure these rules are understood and applied at district and facility levels to stop fraud and abuse before they happen.

Eastern Highlands PHA’s Shedrick Singip said the training gave officers practical tools to protect communities and manage resources responsibly.

"This training is a significant step towards operationalizing our commitment to safeguarding and compliance. By enhancing our skills and understanding, we can enhance our safeguarding controls at our organizational level and better protect our communities and manage our resources responsibly," Mr Singip said.

East Sepik PHA’s Eric Barn added that it helps provinces like his learn from others and move towards directly handling donor funds.

"Improving our capabilities around fraud awareness, child protection, and safeguarding is vital for the integrity of our organization and health programs that we deliver. This training empowers us to implement these critical initiatives effectively within our districts and health facilities."

The initiative, part of the Accelerated Immunization and Health Systems Strengthening [AIHSS2] program, supports PNG’s goal of improving health service delivery with greater transparency and accountability.

The PNG Government continues to work with Australia, Gavi, UNICEF, WHO, and New Zealand MFAT to build a safer and healthier future for all Papua New Guineans.