[Papua New Guinea].

Abstract

Papua New Guinea is an independent country located in Oceania with a population of 4.9 million. Urban development is low and the estimated population density is 9 inhabitants per square kilometre. The terrain is mountainous and accessibility for health care services is difficult in some locations. Medical care facilities are organized in 18 provinces that are divided into 2 to 8 districts in which basic health care and hospital services are delivered through 1765 first aid units, 319 dispensaries, 189 specialized clinics and centers and 19 hospitals. There are no local schools for training medical and paramedical personnel who come from outside the country. Malaria, filariasis, leprosy, tuberculosis, infant diarrheal diseases, viral hepatitis, and envenomation are major public health problems. Buruli ulcer, dengue fever and arboviruses are emerging diseases.