The Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF), with support from the Australian Government, is helping deliver one million antibiotic (azithromycin) tablets to West Sepik Province to support Papua New Guinea's campaign to eliminate yaws, a bacterial skin disease occurring in tropical climates.
The first shipment of medicines was flown from Lae to Vanimo earlier this month aboard an Australian Defence Force aircraft. The medicines were donated by pharmaceutical company EMS Brazil through the World Health Organization (WHO).
Yaws is an infectious disease that mainly affects children. It can cause sores on the skin and damage to bones and joints if left untreated. The disease can be cured with a single dose of antibiotics.
The medicines will be used in a mass drug administration campaign across West Sepik Province. The campaign aims to provide treatment to the entire population and help stop the spread of the disease.
In total, 50 pallets of medicines weighing around 6,800 kilograms will be transported from Lae to Vanimo over several flights.
The mass drug administration campaign is being led by the West Sepik Provincial Health Authority with support from Australia, the PNG National Department of Health, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
In addition to helping eliminate yaws, the delivery of antibiotics is expected to provide wider health benefits by helping treat other infectious diseases and neglected tropical diseases in local communities.
The operation highlights the alliance between Papua New Guinea and Australia in action and demonstrates how both defence forces are working together, alongside global partners, to support critical health initiatives and improve health outcomes for communities across Papua New Guinea.
ENDS
Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) members work with Australian Defence Force (ADF) members to unload the first shipment of donated medicines from the ADF aircraft in Vanimo, West Sepik Province, August 2026.
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