By Vicky Baunke in Goroka EHP
The story of Jackson Zaharegezzah Appo is a story of perseverance, faith and service.
This Saturday 14th March marks late Jackson Appo’s first death anniversary, where his people will be reflecting on his life— a humble servant whose lifelong commitment to public health, faith and community touched countless lives.
From a young boy in Goroka who faced educational setbacks, to a respected health leader who represented his country abroad, his journey stands as a powerful reminder that determination, humility and faith can shape a life that leaves a lasting impact.
Jackson Appo is a name that resembles with deep respect after 43 years of service to public health care services in the National Disease Control centre not just in his home town of Goroka.
Recorded on his retirement speech, late Appo reflected humbly on his journey in public service.
“I believe I have served with integrity and according to standards and God’s will. I have loved my job and time management in the public service is one of my strengths. I stand today with no regrets or hold no grudges against anyone in my place of work. My only greatest regret was declining an offer to pursue a Master’s degree in 2023. This I believe would have set a benchmark and have been a challenge for my children and grandchildren to follow.”
Not long after his retirement, late Jackson Appo passed away at the age of 69 at the Goroka General Hospital. He was buried at his final resting place at Seuveh, Gema Village in Goroka, Eastern Highlands Province.
Appo’s journey began in a time when educational opportunities in Goroka were limited. Between 1964 and 1970, he completed his primary education in the Goroka district, a time when there were only five community schools; Faniufa Sacred Heart, North Goroka, Okiufa, Gama Lutheran and West Community Schools serving the area.
Although he was not selected to do then form 1 (Grade 7) at Goroka High School in what seemed like a setback would later become a turning point in his life. Guided by faith and determination, he travelled to Wewak with his uncle and aunty, where a new opportunity opened before him. There, he was accepted into St Saviour’s High School on Kairiru Island in East Sepik.
His dedication and discipline soon saw him selected to continue his studies at Boram Nursing College. In 1976, he returned to Goroka after completing his training and proudly topped the class in the National Nursing Examinations, sharing the honour with a female colleague — an achievement that reflected his determination and commitment to excellence.
Shortly after graduating, late Appo began his professional career when he was posted to Wabag, marking the start of a remarkable journey in public service. His dedication quickly became evident as he rose through the ranks, serving as Officer in Charge at Wabag Health Centre and later Porgera Health Centre, before being promoted in 1980 to Health Manager for the Kandep District in Enga Province.
Yet despite his success, his heart remained with his people back home. Driven by a deep love to serve the communities of Goroka and the Eastern Highlands, Appo returned in 1982 to work in the disease control office under the National Department of Health. From that moment on, he devoted the rest of his career to disease surveillance, prevention and response, eventually serving 43 years in health service to the state before signing his deed of release in 2024 at the age of 68.
Throughout his career, he worked tirelessly to combat major health threats such as Tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, Malaria, and outbreaks of Typhoid fever. Much of his work was done quietly behind the scenes — investigating outbreaks, strengthening surveillance systems and educating communities about prevention and early treatment.
His commitment to improving disease control services also took him beyond Papua New Guinea. Over the years, Appo travelled internationally representing the country and learning from global public health programs in Japan, New Caledonia, India, and Australia — always bringing home knowledge and experience to strengthen disease control efforts in Papua New Guinea.
Beyond his professional duties, Jackson Appo was a man deeply committed to his faith. As a devoted member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Papua New Guinea, he actively served his church and community. His faith led to a proud moment when he was selected as one of the delegates accompanying church leadership to Germany during the commemoration of the Protestant Reformation 500th Anniversary.
He was also a passionate supporter of rugby league. His love for the sport began at the age of 19 while studying in Wewak, and it remained a strong part of his life. In later years he supported and mentored players connected to the Goroka Lahanis, encouraging young athletes to pursue discipline, unity and pride in their communities.
At his retirement ceremony in 2024, where colleagues, friends and church leaders gathered to honour his decades of service, among those present were Max Manape, then Public Health Director of the Eastern Highlands Provincial Health Authority, and Jack Urame, Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Papua New Guinea.
He leaves behind a large and loving family — his two wives Julie and Nancy, his 10 children — Solomon (45), Vizoke (40), Setlin (39), Collin (39), Ghenorrie (36), M. Vaii (34), Anuru (29), Naritha (28), Kevin Hokaido (27), and Kaupa Hanoiu (23) — and 33 grandchildren who now carry forward the values of service, faith and humility that defined his life.
This year March 14, marks the first anniversary of his passing — a time for family, friends and the people of Goroka and Eastern Highlands to pause and remember a man who quietly gave the best years of his life to serving others.
Though he is gone, his legacy continues to live on in the healthier communities he helped protect, the young people he inspired and the family he loved so deeply.
