PNGBLOGS

SMH AID workers in Papua New Guinea will be making health patrols to isolated villages, in the steps of predecessors who brought the New World to locals more than 60 years ago. Australian patrol officers, known as kiaps, often trekked for days in harsh conditions, spreading the idea of government and law and order to villagers who had never seen white faces before. A product of the colonial era, the kiaps brought much-needed health supplies and new tools. They provided basic education and prolonged villagers' life expectancies. Advertisement: Story continues below Since independence in 1975 PNG governments have failed to deliver in remote areas despite huge resource revenues. With the kiaps now a distant memory, PNG is filled with highly paid advisers and consultants who rarely get their boots muddy or leave their air-conditioned Port Moresby offices. But late last month, in a significant shift of approach, an Australian special forces soldier and a doctor and nurse team helped PNG

SMH AID workers in Papua New Guinea will be making health patrols to isolated villages, in the steps of predecessors who brought the New World to locals more than 60 years ago. Australian patrol officers, known as kiaps, often trekked for days in harsh conditions, spreading the idea of government and law and order to villagers who had never seen white faces before. A product of the colonial era, the kiaps brought much-needed health supplies and new tools. They provided basic education and prolonged villagers' life expectancies. Advertisement: Story continues below Since independence in 1975 PNG governments have failed to deliver in remote areas despite huge resource revenues. With the kiaps now a distant memory, PNG is filled with highly paid advisers and consultants who rarely get their boots muddy or leave their air-conditioned Port Moresby offices. But late last month, in a significant shift of approach, an Australian special forces soldier and a doctor and nurse team he