For the first time, clinicians and community health workers in the upper and lower Kagul area of Tambul-Nebilyer District received a one-day training on oral cancer and lifestyle diseases, delivered by WHPHA’s Dentist Dr. Thomas Tatua and Public Health Medical Officer Dr. Simean Adiunegiya last week, 05 May, 2026, at Tambul Health Centre.
The session brought together staff from Tambul HC, Kiripia HC, 2 Village Health Volunteers (VHA), and a representative from Marie Stopes.
Dr. Adiunegiya opened the session, highlighting the rising toll of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) or lifestyle disease such as heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure, are claiming more lives in Papua New Guinea after the age of 25.
He explained that the Wellness Clinic at Mt Hagen Specialist Hospital is designed to screen healthy individuals before they fall ill, since many remain unaware of their conditions with NCDs.
“People will not come for wellness checks unless there is effective awareness and outreach patrols” he said, urging clinicians to conduct those programs in their respective communities. “Once they understand, they can come forward, receive early diagnosis, and begin treatment immediately.”
“Since 2024, more than 120 VHAs have been trained to raise awareness in their communities and refer suspected cases to the Wellness Clinic and this year, we will host another refresher training for them as well so more awareness on NCDs can be conducted at the community level,” he said.
The focus of the session then shifted to oral health, where Dr. Thomas Tatua delivered a compelling presentation on the burden of oral cancer. He revealed seeing new oral cancer patients each day, most arriving at late stages when treatment options are limited. “The death rate from mouth cancer is huge,” he warned.
“PNG is rated number one globally in oral cancer. Oral cancer is ruthless and very aggressive with worst outcomes (death) within very short time when diagnosis is confirmed. If we don’t act now, more lives will be lost. That is why I am here to inform you all on how best we can help save lives at the community level.”
Dr. Tatua said betel nut chewing has been identified as the leading cause, with almost 90 percent of his patients having chewed betel nut. He shared alarming figures: the Highlands region accounts for 68 percent of cases, followed by Momase (18 percent), Southern (9 percent) and NGI (5 percent).
He urged the participating clinicians to carefully examine patients carefully for early signs of oral cancer before making referrals to Mt Hagen Hospital, stressing that early detectioncan save lives. A practical demonstration followed, equipping participants with the skills to identify early symptoms during patient examinations.
On Wednesday, 06 May 2026, similar training was extended to the upper and lower Nebilyer communities, delivered at Togoba Health Centre. This expansion reflects WHPHA’s commitment to ensuring that more health facilities across the district benefit from improved awareness, early detection, and preventive care.
