In April, our Papua New Guinea (PNG) team carried out a two-week eye screening and surgical outreach in the Ramu District of Madang Province. Supported by The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s Direct Aid Programme and delivered in partnership with the Madang Provincial Health Authority (MaPHA), Morobe Provincial Health Authority (MoPHA), and Ramu Agri-Industrial Ltd (RAIL), the outreach brought essential eye care to people who would otherwise go without.
Across the two weeks, 450 people received quality eye care, 220 received prescription spectacles, and 75 sight-restoring surgeries were completed. In total, 594 consultations were carried out — a clear sign of how much need there is in remote communities. For many patients, it was the first time in years they had been able to see clearly, seek help, or speak to an eye specialist.
The outreach also help strengthen the eye health workforce. Dr Evelyn Agebigo, who is currently studying to become an eye doctor, gained valuable hands-on training under Senior Ophthalmologist Dr David Pahau. She was also supported by Dr Alice Irafa, a newly graduated eye doctor taking part in her second outreach. Once a student herself, Dr Irafa is now guiding the next generation, a meaningful moment for PNG’s growing eye healthcare workforce.
Key to the success was the strong local collaboration. MaPHA eye nurses and staff from Gusap, Ramu, and Bogia Health Centres shared their knowledge of the surrounding communities and helped spread the word across neighbouring villages. Community visits, radio announcements, and locally displayed posters ensured people knew when and where they could access services.
Reaching those who often miss out was also a priority. With support from Creative Self Help and RAIL, patients facing barriers to travel were assisted with transport, meals, and accommodation. This support meant women, older people, and people living with disabilities could attend the outreach safely and comfortably, and return home with restored vision.
Among those who came for help was 60-year-old Sali Bunba, a small-scale miner from Morobe Province. After an injury in 2023, Sali’s vision began to fail. By 2024 he was completely blind, moving around his home by memory and touch. Financial hardship meant seeking specialist eye care was out of reach.
When his daughter heard about the upcoming outreach, she brought Sali to stay with her in Ramu so he wouldn’t miss the chance. He waited patiently for two months.
On 7 April, Sali arrived at the clinic guided by his daughter, using a walking stick. He was diagnosed with bilateral cataracts and booked for surgery. On 16 April, he underwent a sight-restoring operation on his right eye. The next morning, when the eye pad was removed, everything changed. His face broke into a wide smile as he realised he could see again.
“I’ve been in Ramu for two months waiting for you, and now you’ve come. I’ve received my healing, and I’m so happy,” he shared.
Sali can’t wait to return home to Bulolo to see his six children and fifteen grandchildren, faces he has not seen in years.
None of this would have been possible without the support of the Direct Aid Programme, the dedication of local Provincial Health Authoritys, and the cooperation of partners across Madang Province, including RAIL and Creative Self Help. Together, we are helping more people in remote communities, strengthening local skills and developing partnerships that will continue improving access to eye care long after the team has left.
