Western Highlands braces for possible diarrhoea surge as El Niño threatens health services
The Western Highlands Provincial Health Authority [WHPHA] chief executive officer Dr. Jonah Kurubi says they're preparing for a possible surge in diarrhoeal diseases in the coming months as El Niño intensifies.
The PHA warned that the number of cases reported in the province could rise significantly.
Dr. Kurubi made the statement in response to the Post-Courier front-page article titled 'WHP diarrhea surge', published on Tuesday, 7 July 2026, saying current health data already points to an increase in diarrhoeal illnesses that is expected to worsen as the dry spell continues.
Dr. Kurubi said admissions at the provincial hospital have remained relatively stable at an average of four patients per day, with no significant increase in paediatric admissions.
However, outpatient records from urban clinics show a steady rise in diarrhoeal disease cases, particularly among children under five.
"Our admissions since January have remained consistent, but our outpatient surveillance is showing an increase in diarrhoeal disease, and this is an early indication of the health impacts of El Niño," he said.
The figures highlighted in the Post-Courier report may become more evident in the coming months as the province experiences worsening dry conditions.
Kurubi warned that while diarrhoeal diseases are expected to increase over the next four to five months, the long-term effects of El Niño are likely to include higher rates of malnutrition among children under five and pregnant and lactating mothers.
The PHA is responding by maintaining uninterrupted health services, expanding health awareness campaigns and improving water security through bore water projects their health facilities in the districts.
Meanwhile, Pediatric Unit Supervisor at the Mt Hagen Provincial Specialist Hospital, Sr. Joan Okk, said the paediatric unit is already under increasing pressure, even before the full impact of El Niño is felt.
The senior clinician said the Children's Outpatient Department [COPD] recorded more than 20,000 attendances between January and June this year - more than double the number seen during the same period five years ago.
She stressed that the hospital, which serves patients from Western Highlands, Enga, Jiwaka, Southern Highlands and surrounding provinces, has experienced a steady monthly increase of between 60 and 70 additional child patients, resulting in all pediatric beds remaining fully occupied.
To cope with the growing demand, Sr. Okk says the COPD has introduced a three-shift roster, while patient screening hours have been extended until 10pm each day, to cater for children seeking treatment after normal clinic hours.
The pediatricc team has also observed a concerning increase in diarrhoeal cases during the first week of July this year.
"Normally we see one or two diarrhoeal cases a day, but on July 4th, we recorded seven cases. That is unusual, and if people do not take precautions with hygiene and safe water, we could see an outbreak," she said.
WHPHA CEO is urging communities in Western Highlands to conserve clean water, practice good hygiene, treat drinking water where possible and seek medical attention early as the province prepares for the worsening impacts of El Nino.