History

The Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research (PNG IMR) was established in 1968 as a Statutory Body of the Government of Papua New Guinea, responsible to the Minister for Health. The activities of the Institute have been directed towards the primary goal of conducting research into the health problems of the people of Papua New Guinea. Major research programs have been established in respiratory diseases, malaria, malnutrition, enteric diseases, sexual health and women's health, thus addressing the biggest health problems of Papua New Guinea. The principal funding of the Institute as the national medical research institute comes from the national Government. Its affairs are governed by a Council of 14 members with wide representation. Though independent of the Department of Health, the Institute effectively acts as the research arm of the Department.

The Institute conducts its work from laboratory and office complexes in Goroka (Eastern Highlands Province), Madang (Madang Province) and Maprik (East Sepik Province), with smaller branches in Port Moresby and Wewak. Various field stations support ongoing research in rural areas. Over 250 people are employed in the operation of this network. The head administration, main library and largest laboratories of the Institute are in the headquarters in Goroka. The malaria research program is conducted from the Institute base at Yagaum near Madang and in the Wosera area of Maprik District from bases in Maprik and Kunjingini. The pneumonia research program has so far been conducted in Goroka and Tari, though studies in coastal areas are planned. The enteric diseases research program is based in Goroka though the principal work on pigbel in the past was carried out in Simbu Province.