Port Moresby, 14 October 2026. The final session of the workshop addressed the third JAP priority, Financing and Resource Mobilization. This priority matters because unstable financing remains one of the main barriers to sustained malaria control in PNG.

Three presentations opened the session.

•        National financing situation: Jacob Kisomb outlined the current malaria financing situation in PNG, including its funding sources and gaps.

•        Development fund support: Alexander Maha of the PNG Sustainable Development Program described how it supports malaria control.

•        Provincial budgeting: Miriam Boga, Chief Executive Officer of the Western Provincial Health Authority, explained subnational malaria budgeting and the role of Provincial Malaria Action Plans in bringing resources closer to communities.

Three breakout groups then examined the financing challenge from different angles.

1.      Health financing assessment and public budgets. Facilitated by Stephen Gideon and Bill Hawley, this group considered what a health financing assessment for border districts should cover and which policy questions it should answer. It also discussed how public budgets on both sides could co-finance cross-border activities, and how stakeholder consultation and policy dialogue should be organized.

2.      Health budget capacity. Facilitated by Iqbal Elyazar and John Deli, this group looked at weaknesses in malaria budget planning, execution and monitoring at provincial and district levels. It considered what capacity building is needed and for whom. It also discussed how cross-country activities can be embedded in official planning documents, such as provincial strategic plans in PNG and Indonesia.

3.      Diversifying funding resources. Facilitated by Stephan Karl and Vellgie Ava, this group mapped private sector actors operating near the border, including mining, oil and gas, plantations and agriculture. It explored partnership models such as workplace malaria programmes, co-investment, blended finance and results-based financing. The group also considered how ADB and philanthropic funds could leverage private capital, and what role faith-based organizations and community networks can play.

In the plenary session, the groups reported their recommendations. Chiqui de Veyra of ADB wrapped up Priority 3, and Amandeep Singh presented next steps. The recommendations from all three priorities will form PNG's national position for the upcoming bilateral discussion with Indonesia. Deputy Secretary Ken Wai closed the workshop. He reaffirmed PNG's commitment to treating New Guinea as one island in the fight against malaria.