The National Department of Health thanks Dr Luo Dapeng, World Health Organization Representative in Papua New Guinea, for his dedication and support to the Papua New Guinea Health Sector. Dr Luo Dapeng started working in Papua New Guinea as the Representative in June 2017.
Dr Luo Dapeng came to Papua New Guinea with a wealth of experience, especially in communicable disease prevention and control and in assisting Papua New Guinea to meet its sustainable Development Goals of ending the epidemics of AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria and other communicable diseases by 2030. Dr Luo Dapeng also brought with him a background in managing and coordination complex emergency responses, which was especially evident with his handling and support of the polio outbreak in Papua New Guinea in 2019 and COVID-19 in 2020.
Under Dr Luo Dapeng’s leadership, the WHO has been a significant contributor and supporter of our work in developing the National Health Plan 2021 – 2030; strengthening Universal Health Coverage through access to health services; improving maternal and child health; and strengthening Papua New Guinea’s health emergency capability through better planning, preparedness and response capacity.
The Secretary for Health, Dr Osborne Liko stated that “Dr Luo Dapeng has been a pleasure to work with. No request for support has been too big, especially in supporting Papua New Guinea’s response to managing COVID-19”. Dr Liko further noted that “the WHO staff are always responsive and work closely with all sectors and partners in the health system. I look forward to continuing this strong relationship with Ms Anna Maalsen, who will act as the WHO Representative in the coming months”.
Dr Luo Dapeng is a friend of Papua New Guinea and we are grateful for his work, support and commitment. Dr Luo Dapeng will be missed, and Papua New Guinea wishes him all the best for his next assignment and future.
Next : PNG had the best strategy on COVID-19 Response: Dapeng