Japan & UNICEF honour five decades of progress for children in Papua New Guinea

 PORT MORESBY, 11 July 2025 — As Papua New Guinea marks 50 years of independence, the Government of Japan and UNICEF have reaffirmed their longstanding partnership to support the country’s children, honouring a shared legacy of progress across health, protection, education, water and sanitation, and emergency preparedness and response.

That enduring commitment was on full display this week, when Japan’s Ambassador to Papua New Guinea, His Excellency, Hisanobu Mochizuki, travelled to Enga Province with UNICEF Representative Dr Veera Mendonca to see first-hand how Japan’s support is helping communities rebuild after the devastating Mulitaka landslide.

Ambassador Mochizuki and Dr Mendonca met with the Hon. Chief Sir Peter Ipatas, Governor of Enga Province; Dr Betty Koka, Director of Public Health Services at the Enga Provincial Health Authority; Enga Provincial Health Authority CEO, Dr Vincent Pyakalyia, and other senior provincial leaders to discuss how emergency relief is being combined with long-term recovery and resilience-building.

The landslide, which struck in the early hours of 24 May 2024, completely destroyed a remote village and displaced thousands of people — including around 3,900 children.

In the immediate aftermath, Japan’s swift and generous support enabled UNICEF to deliver critical supplies including clean water, emergency shelter, hygiene kits, and child protection services.

More than 1,100 tarpaulins, 1,500 blankets, 500 solar lanterns, 2,000 water containers, and over 100 hygiene kits tailored to women and children were distributed.

In addition, the partnership supported the establishment of Child-Friendly Spaces, providing psychosocial care and safe spaces for children affected by the disaster. 

With Japan’s backing, UNICEF worked in close coordination with national and provincial authorities to restore essential services. At the Mulitaka Health Centre, a solar-powered water system now ensures safe and reliable access for patients and surrounding communities.

Local schools have resumed classes with improved facilities, including clean toilets, functioning rainwater tanks, and hygiene education for students.

Dr Vincent Pyakalyia, CEO of the Enga Provincial Health Authority noted that the climate-resilient and inclusive WASH infrastructure installed in Mulitaka was already making a noticeable impact.

Dr Koka noted the rapid improvements too.

“Thanks to the support from Japan and UNICEF, we’ve been able to restore essential services and begin building back stronger,” she said.

At the provincial vaccine store in Wabag, Ambassador Mochizuki also saw first-hand how Japan’s investments are strengthening cold chain infrastructure.

Through the mSupply digital vaccine management system, solarisation of vaccine stores in 20 provinces, and the use of Artek mobile carriers, immunisation services are reaching even the most remote areas. These innovations are helping address PNG’s low immunisation coverage rate of just 47 per cent — and ensuring that children are protected, no matter where they live.

Reflecting on the visit, Ambassador Mochizuki expressed appreciation for the collaborative spirit of local partners and reiterated Japan’s solidarity with affected communities and commitment to support services to reach the most vulnerable children in PNG.

“It has been a privilege to witness the positive impact of our cooperation with UNICEF and the Government of Papua New Guinea,” he said.

“Japan remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting the people of Enga and looking at innovative solutions to improve vaccine coverage for the most vulnerable.”

Governor Ipatas welcomed the continued support.

“We are deeply appreciative of the work and contribution provided,” he said.

“This partnership has helped transform tragedy into meaningful progress for our communities.”

Dr Mendonca underscored the deeper significance of Japan’s support.

“For decades, Japan has stood beside UNICEF and the Government of Papua New Guinea to support child survival, learning and protection,” she said.

“In PNG’s jubilee year, this kind of sustained, values-driven partnership takes on even greater meaning. It’s about walking the journey together and investing in long-term, systemic change.” 

She added that with children and young people making up more than half of Papua New Guinea’s population, prioritising their wellbeing is not only urgent — it’s smart.

“Investing in their health, WASH, education and protection is essential to unlocking the country’s demographic dividend and securing sustainable development for the next generation,” she said.

“Partnerships like the one we have with Japan go far beyond the short-term; they are long-term investments in systems, in communities, and in giving every child in PNG the best start in life.”