11/08/2026
Australian Government Supports Lutheran Health Services with Medical Supplies
LAE, Papua New Guinea — 11 August 2026
The Australian Government has handed over a 40-foot container of donated medical supplies to Lutheran Health Services (LHS), supporting the Church's frontline healthcare services in Morobe and other parts of Papua New Guinea.
The supplies were officially handed over to LHS following a ceremony attended by ELCPNG leaders, Lutheran Health Services representatives, Australian officials and other invited guests.
The consignment, organised through Rotary Australia Repurposing Equipment Northern Region, contains 1,930 cartons of medical supplies, predominantly consumables. Among the items listed are gloves, hospital linen, irrigation syringes, hospital medical supplies, theatre drapes and slide sheets, gowns, masks and sterile wrap.
The supplies were transported to Lae aboard the Royal Australian Navy vessel Reliant. Australian Consul-General in Lae Mr. Brenton Kanowski was accompanied by six Australian Navy personnel at the handover ceremony.
The Australian Consulate-General in Lae said the supplies would directly contribute to LHS facilities throughout Morobe and across the country, supporting frontline health workers who provide care to the communities they serve.
According to LHS National Secretary Mr. Japalis Kaiok, the supplies will particularly support the Church-run rural health facilities, helping strengthen healthcare services delivered to people in rural and remote communities through the Lutheran health network.
The assistance comes at a time when health facilities are facing shortages of essential supplies. Mr. Kanowski said he was aware of the difficulties Lutheran Health Services was experiencing, including shortages and stock-outs, when arrangements were made to provide the medical consumables.
Speaking on behalf of ELCPNG, Assistant Bishop Rev. Lucas Kedabing thanked the Australian Government and people of Australia for their support.
