A groundbreaking ceremony at Pacific Adventist University (PAU) in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, has marked the start of construction on a new lifestyle medicine centre designed to address the country’s growing burden of lifestyle-related diseases.

During the event, two government representatives presented a cheque for 15 million Kina (about US$3 million) in support of the project, including Kinoka Feo, Minister for Higher Education, Research, Science, Technology, and Sports.

In preparation for the center’s launch, core staff recently travelled to Sydney for training with the ELIA Lifestyle Medicine Centre team at Sydney Adventist Hospital.

Geraldine Lagani, who will serve as medical director of the clinic, noted the urgency of the center’s mission.

“Papua New Guinea is facing a growing burden of lifestyle diseases while our health system struggles with limited manpower and resources,” she said.

Reflecting on the training, Lagani added that many patients require more than traditional medical treatment alone.

"Many of our patients don’t just need medicine, they need coaching, education, practical healthy life skills, social connectedness, and so much more because lifestyle diseases develop over time and often require long-term change," she said.

“I am genuinely excited about the lifestyle medicine centre that will be established at Pacific Adventist University.  I see it as a lighthouse—a place of guidance, practical support, and hope, where a dedicated team of professionals can offer wholistic care and help patients make real and lasting changes for better health. In a country with a fragile health system and economic challenges, this centre is an important step toward a healthier, stronger, and more productive PNG. “

Alongside Lagani, Deslyn Vagi will serve as both nurse and exercise therapist, and Olyne Sailo will work as nutritionist and health coach, forming a multidisciplinary team focused on prevention and long-term lifestyle change.

The new centre will also serve as a training hub for 10,000 Toes Campaign ambassadors, equipping them to help combat diabetes and other non-communicable diseases in communities across the region.

“I’m very excited to see this project moving forward,” said 10,000 Toes coordinator Pamela Townend. “This center will support our ambassadors as they learn to help their communities live healthier lives.”

The original article was published on the South Pacific Division news site, Adventist Record.