From 19 to 21 May, key partners in the PNG Snakebite Partnership – including DFAT, the PNG Department of Health, CSL, the Universities of Melbourne and PNG, and St John – gathered in Port Moresby to review progress and plan the next phase of their life-saving work. Rotary Melbourne was formally recognised at the meeting for its significant support of this vital health initiative, which delivers antivenom, education, and first aid training across Papua New Guinea.
The Port Moresby Rotary Club extended warm hospitality to visiting CSL representatives Anna Schulze and Dr Matt Wenham, hosting a dinner attended by Club President Kevin Buckby and Treasurer David Guinn. Encouragingly, the Port Moresby Rotary Club is set to deepen its involvement, joining St John on an upcoming field trip to deliver antivenom and conduct snakebite awareness sessions. CSL has also been invited to present to the club during their next visit to Port Moresby.
In a special gesture marking its 50th anniversary, the Australian High Commission distributed promotional materials highlighting the impact of the PNG Snakebite Partnership—further testament to the program’s national significance. Rotary Melbourne’s latest donation was warmly acknowledged, helping fund pressure bandages and develop critical awareness and first aid resources.
Children remain the most vulnerable to snakebite in PNG, making health worker-led school training a top priority. A standout moment of the three-day event was a community education session at Sogeri Primary School, made possible through Rotary Melbourne’s support. Dozens of children took part in an interactive and engaging learning experience, equipping them with vital knowledge that could one day save lives.
Looking ahead, CSL’s Anna Schulze will address Rotary Melbourne at lunch on Wednesday, 30 July 2025. She will share insights from her Port Moresby visit and update members on CSL’s latest contributions to this crucial partnership.
Rotary Melbourne continues to play a pivotal role in one of the region’s most impactful public health initiatives—saving lives, empowering communities, and building resilience in the face of a deadly threat.
