Simbu Provincial Health Authority (SiPHA) hosted the National Cancer Control Program Team from Monday, August 3 to Thursday, August 6, 2026, as part of the Highlands Regional Cancer Outreach initiative.

The outreach aimed to assess SiPHA’s capacity to diagnose and manage cancer cases, while also advocating for the newly launched National Cancer Prevention and Control Strategic Plan 2025–2030.

The visiting team included:

• Mr. George Otto – Manager, National Cancer Program

• Dr. Manna Ario – Chief Oncologist

• Dr. Gwenda Anga – Pediatrician, Pediatric Oncology

• Dr. Aina Anota – Physician, Adult Oncology

• Ms. Anita Metofa – Administrative Assistant

SiPHA’s leadership, led by Dr. Joseph Ande (Director Curative) and Mr. Henry Kua (Director Corporate Services), together with senior and specialist medical officers, guided the team through key facilities. The tour covered diagnostic services such as the Histopathology Laboratory, General Laboratory, Mammogram, and CT/MRI units, as well as treatment services including Chemotherapy and Surgery. Radiation therapy, however, remains centralized at Angau Provincial Hospital in Lae under Morobe PHA.

SiPHA’s cancer response strategy aligns with KRA 4 of the National Health Plan 2021–2030, SPA 3 of the Medium-Term Development Plan IV 2023–2027, and KPA 3 of SiPHA’s Corporate Plan 2025–2027. The authority’s focus is on early detection, timely treatment, and strengthening preventive awareness to reduce the cancer burden in the province.

This vision was reinforced by the Marape-Rosso Government, which in 2020 allocated K5 million to support cancer prevention and treatment efforts nationwide.