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For a detailed map of the area, click on the red box above.
They're our nearest neighbours, but in terms of internationally accepted measures, Papua New Guineans are poor, with more than one in three living in poverty. The causes are complex but our commitment is long-term, to ensure poor communities enjoy the benefits of their resource-rich nation and build a sustainable future for the next generation.
Our focus
Managing natural resources
When disaster strikes around the world, Oxfam moves quickly to provide life-saving assistance to people in need.
PNG's forests and rivers are critically important to the millions of people who depend on them for food. They're also major sources of revenue for the government and big business. But some developments, particularly in the mining sector, are causing people to lose their way of life and damaging the environment.
We're concerned that poverty will become more extreme if habitats are lost and natural resources are not managed at sustainable levels. That's why we're supporting the Centre for Environmental Research and Development to reduce the detrimental impacts of mining on communities and helping locals to voice their concerns over the Tolukuma gold mine through our Mining Ombudsman project.
Supporting young people
PNG has a young population – 40% are under 15 – and they're entering adulthood amid an HIV and AIDS epidemic. In 2005, 64,000 people were living with HIV, the highest rate of reported HIV cases in the Pacific region.
Together with our partner HELP Resources, we're educating young people about HIV and AIDS and sexually transmitted infections, providing them with counseling and support, and increasing their access to reproductive health services.
We're also helping young people gain leadership skills through Oxfam International Youth Partnerships (OIYP), a global network of 18-25 year olds working for equitable and sustainable change in their communities. PNG's Mercy Natalie Masta and Festus Maiginap are part of the network.
Partnering with the Pacific
PNG has integrated into the world economy mostly as a supplier of natural resources, selling mainly to neighbouring states, often at exploitative terms of trade. The outcome of its current trade negotiations with Australia and New Zealand through the Pacer-Plus agreement will have major implications for PNG's development. We're calling on the Australian Government to use its aid and trade policies to fight poverty in the region and negotiate a fair trade deal with our Pacific neighbours.
Responding to emergencies
When disaster strikes, we move quickly to provide life-saving assistance to people in need. In December 2008, severe sea surges caused flooding in six provinces, affecting up to 75,000 people. We helped communities on four islands near Wewak access emergency supplies, shelter and clean water – find out more about our response.
Similarly, in November 2007, we helped more than 9,000 people following flooding in Oro, Central and Milne Bay provinces. Our public health program continues to ensure people remain healthy and have access to clean water and sanitation.
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Stories & photos
Video: PNG and HIV
Meet our Action Partners from PNG. They're here to say that young people are making a difference to address the HIV and AIDS epidemic in the Pacific. Watch the video
Partnering with the Pacific
Development plans for the Pacific Islands need to tap into the aspirations and knowledge of local communities. Find out more
Faster disaster response
A ground-breaking project is set to improve the speed of our disaster response missions in the Pacific. Find out more