Papua New Guinea (PNG) has taken a significant step by conducting a SWOT Analysis Workshop for the development of its first National Laboratory Strategic Plan (NLSP) 2026–2030 — a national strategic roadmap toward building a stronger, more resilient, and sustainable laboratory system for its people. The workshop brought together approximately 30 participants, representing key stakeholders across the laboratory system, and was presided over by Mr. Ken Wai, Deputy Secretary for Public Health at the National Department of Health.
PNG Thematic Working Group has reached an agreement on the framework for the National Laboratory Strategic Plan (NLSP).
On the final day of the workshop, the PNG Thematic Working Group successfully agreed on the Vision, Mission, Scope, and key Thematic Areas that will drive the country’s laboratory services forward. This milestone was achieved through the dedicated support of Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) and the RPHL Network Secretariat, ensuring the plan aligns with both local needs and international standards.
The conclusion of the workshop marks the beginning of an intensive developmental phase. To ensure the strategy is evidence-based and robust, the country will now move forward with:
- Validation the SWOT: Utilizing specialized reporting and key informant templates to systematically assess the current state of laboratory services.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Conducting in-depth interviews with key stakeholders to identify critical Strategies and Sub-strategies that reflect national priorities.
To maintain this momentum, the RPHL Network Secretariat will facilitate monthly follow-up Virtual Conferences (VCs). These sessions are scheduled for the fourth week of every month from May through August 2026, providing a platform for continuous technical guidance and progress monitoring.
This collaboration highlights the power of regional partnership and expert mentorship in building a resilient and sustainable public health laboratory network for Papua New Guinea.
