Australia is working with Papua New Guinea health authorities to reduce preventable deaths from snakebites in PNG.
Through the PNG Snakebite Partnership, supported by the Australian Government, training workshops were recently delivered to health workers and communities in Sogeri and Hula, two high-risk areas in the Central Province.
The initiative is equipping frontline health workers and residents with the knowledge and tools needed to respond swiftly and effectively to snakebite emergencies.
The workshops, led by Mr Andrew Maru, Clinical Snakebite Nurse at St. John Ambulance, focused on practical, hands-on training. Participants learned how to assess and stabilise snakebite victims, administer antivenom, and escalate cases requiring advanced care.
Community members were also taught how to identify venomous snakes and understand their behaviour—an essential step in preventing bites and improving outcomes.
Snakebites remain a serious public health issue in PNG, particularly in rural and remote areas where access to timely medical care is limited. In 2024 alone, the Snakebite Partnership treated 537 patients with lifesaving antivenom, underscoring the urgent need for continued investment in awareness and training.
The PNG Australia Snakebite Partnership is a collaboration between the Australian Government, St. John Ambulance, CSL Seqirus, and the PNG National Department of Health. It aims to strengthen the country’s capacity to manage snakebite cases through improved clinical training, supply of antivenom, and community education.
Partners held their annual meeting on 20 May 2025 in Port Moresby, before the workshops, to discuss the performance and progress of the Partnership.
By bringing critical skills directly to the communities that need them most, the Partnership is not only saving lives but also empowering local health systems to respond more effectively to one of PNG’s most persistent health threats.
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(R-L) Dr Matt Wenham, CSL Seqirus with Dr Ramez Alhazzaa, Australian High Commission, showing antivenom donated to Hula Health Facility.
For further information, including access to related materials, please contact the Australian High Commission media team: +675 7090 0100