Video: A heartfelt message of thanks from Amy Williamson, Burnet Deputy Country Director, Papua New Guinea.
Every day, our researchers in Papua New Guinea (PNG) travel treacherous mountain roads to reach remote communities in need. Those rugged journeys take a toll on our vehicles—and every time a car goes in for repairs, it means taking one of our teams off the road.
So, when it came time to launch our end-of-year fundraising campaign, we had one clear goal in mind: raising $80,000 for a reliable new 4WD to keep our teams moving.
Thanks to you, we didn’t just meet our target— we smashed it! Together, we raised an incredible $139,000, making it possible to purchase the vehicle, fit it out to carry essential and delicate equipment for our researchers, and cover running costs for up to a year. That’s an extraordinary result.
Going the distance
In PNG, access to health services is a challenge, especially for those living in remote areas.
For years, our teams have been bringing life-changing medical research and health support programs directly to isolated villages, setting up mobile clinics and community workshops in meeting halls, marketplaces— even under mango trees. They often spend hours—sometimes days—on the road, but without a reliable vehicle, those vital trips simply can’t happen.
This new, fully funded 4WD changes everything. It means our researchers can maintain regular contact with communities, supporting mothers and babies through pregnancy and childhood, protecting public health, and treating infectious diseases before they spread.
Your rapid response
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who contributed—including those who helped unlock our $29,000 matching gift challenge. Your generosity doubled the impact of every dollar donated and helped us go beyond what we thought was possible.
“It means our teams can continue visiting communities and do what they do best—medical research and public health implementation,” says Amy Williamson, Deputy Country Director for Burnet Institute in PNG.
“We are truly grateful. Thank you again for making this possible.”
What’s next?
With the funds secured, our team is moving quickly to purchase and fit out the new 4WD.
Every kilometre it travels will be thanks to you.
To everyone who contributed—thank you. You’re helping keep our teams on the road and bringing health and hope to communities in need.
