Welcome to TPA’s June 2026 newsletter. This edition highlights growing partnerships across Papua New Guinea and the Pacific, new clinical education streams, progress in newborn screening, and the momentum building for City2Surf.
Strengthening Partnerships in Papua New Guinea
In April 2026, Dr Kathryn Currow and Dr Dimitra Tzioumi from Taking Paediatrics Abroad (TPA) visited Port Moresby General Hospital for a week of meetings, clinical discussions, teaching activities and strategic planning with paediatric colleagues. Special thanks to Mundango Abroad for their generous support for TPA’s work in PNG.
The visit reinforced the importance of face-to-face engagement in building the relationships that underpin TPA’s ongoing telehealth education and case discussion program. Discussions involved clinicians, nurses, physiotherapists, oncology staff, neonatal teams, social workers, medical education leaders and hospital executives.
Colleagues highlighted the significant value of access to paediatric subspecialty expertise through TPA’s volunteer network. The opportunity to discuss complex cases, participate in continuing medical education and strengthen professional connections was consistently identified as a major benefit. Dr Gwenda Anga spoke of the great need in the Pacific and the importance of access to subspecialists; Dr Benjamin Daur described TPA as cost-friendly and supportive of ongoing education.
A significant milestone during the visit was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between TPA and Port Moresby General Hospital. The agreement reflects a shared commitment to strengthening paediatric education, clinical support and professional exchange, while providing a framework for future collaboration.
Child protection was also a key focus of discussions. Dr Dimitra Tzioumi met with local clinicians to explore approaches to safeguarding vulnerable children and strengthening systems for responding to child maltreatment. The commitment and leadership demonstrated by Papua New Guinean colleagues in this area are inspiring.
The visit also highlighted the value of practical, resource-aware education. Feedback from clinicians, nurses and allied health staff emphasised the importance of teaching that is clinically relevant, applicable to local settings and responsive to the realities of limited resources.
Expanding Clinical Collaboration
Paediatric Critical Care Education
TPA is pleased to be partnering with colleagues from the Pacific Paediatric Association to expand paediatric critical care education across the region thanks to Dr Monica Brook and Dr Liz Croston, paediatric intensivists.
This initiative represents a timely and important opportunity to support clinicians in the early recognition and management of critically ill children. Through case-based discussions, focused teaching, and ongoing mentorship, it aims to build confidence, strengthen clinical decision-making, and ultimately contribute to improved outcomes for children in resource-limited settings.
Supporting Children Returning Home
TPA also responds to requests for assistance with the continuity of care for children returning from Australia to their home countries. Through its established network of trusted clinical relationships, TPA can help facilitate communication, support handover processes and enable assistance for local clinicians caring for children with complex conditions.
Regional Updates
TPA continues to strengthen partnerships across the Indo-Pacific region. We are delighted to welcome colleagues from Palau, the Cook Islands and the Marshall Islands to the TPA network. These new partnerships further expand opportunities for shared learning and regional collaboration.
TPA is also re-establishing regular engagement with colleagues in Mongolia. Future activities will be guided by locally identified priorities and educational needs.
In the second half of 2026, TPA plans further visits to Tonga and Samoa, followed by Fiji and Solomon Islands, Cambodia and Vietnam. These visits will provide opportunities to strengthen relationships, review educational priorities and ensure that ongoing programs remain aligned with local needs.
Newborn Screening in Solomon Islands
TPA continues to support the newborn screening program for congenital hypothyroidism in Solomon Islands. Thanks to NSW Newborn Screening, Revvity and DHL for their generosity.
Early detection and treatment of congenital hypothyroidism can prevent severe developmental impairment. The project demonstrates what can be achieved through strong local leadership supported by specialist expertise and collaborative planning. Thanks to Dr Zarina Kere (Honiara) & Prof Shubha Srinivasan (The Children’s Hospital at Westmead).
Attention is now turning towards long-term sustainability, with a focus on local ownership and systems that can be maintained into the future.
A Story of Survival
An upcoming publication describing the management of a baby with gastroschisis will add to documentation of TPA’s impact through collaborative clinical support across international borders. The case reflects TPA’s core purpose: connecting and empowering outstanding doctors and nurses, sharing expertise and supporting the care of children with complex and life-threatening conditions in resource-constrained settings.
Feedback from Colleagues
One of the most rewarding aspects of TPA’s work is hearing directly from colleagues about the value of the program. During the recent Papua New Guinea visit, clinicians highlighted the importance of access to subspecialty discussion, practical education and opportunities for professional development. Many noted that TPA sessions provide access to expertise that would otherwise be difficult to obtain: “TPA has thrown the door wide open.”
Similarly contributing Australian experts tell how much they value the opportunity to meet with and learn from overseas colleagues.
This feedback continues to guide program development and helps to ensure that educational activities continue to empower and remain relevant, practical and responsive to local priorities.
City2Surf 2026
Preparations are underway for Team TPA at City2Surf 2026. Every runner, walker, donor and supporter helps TPA continue delivering free paediatric subspecialty education and case discussion sessions for colleagues across the Indo-Pacific region and remote Australia.
Funds raised support the coordination, technology and volunteer infrastructure required to sustain TPA’s activities.
Date: Sunday 9 August 2026. Course: 14 km from Hyde Park to Bondi Beach.
How you can help:
- 👉 Register now to join Team TPA at https://tinyurl.com/nu93heeu
- 👉 Donate Only: https://city2surf26.grassrootz.com/taking-paediatrics-abroad
(To join the Team, ensure you click on the ‘Join Team’ button). We will collect your bib for you.
We thank everyone who has already joined, donated or shared the campaign and encourage supporters to help spread the word.
Thank You
TPA’s achievements are only possible because of the generosity and commitment of many people. We extend our sincere thanks to all TPA clinical volunteers, whose expertise and dedication make this work possible. We also acknowledge the invaluable contribution of the TPA Board and Advisory Group for their leadership, governance and strategic guidance.
We warmly welcome new organisational volunteers Nicolette Tsui and Heera Arora. Together with our existing volunteers, Adam Ghanem, Peter Andersen, Ruth Heazlewood, Mariana Cerqueira (WebDesignTrek) and Thea Amar, they strengthen our capacity to support colleagues caring for children throughout the region.
Most importantly, we thank our overseas colleagues whose commitment to improving the lives of children and families, often in challenging circumstances, continues to inspire us. Every interaction reinforces the value of collaboration, shared learning and united purpose.
To our donors, supporters and partners, thank you for your ongoing encouragement and support.
Together, we are building enduring relationships that strengthen paediatric care and improve outcomes for children where they are needed most.