Papua New Guinea
With more than 850 distinct languages and at least as many traditional societies, Papua New Guinea is one of the most diverse and complex nations in the world.
This magnificent and culturally diverse nation of isolated communities faces one of the most serious HIV epidemics in the entire Asia-Pacific region. Although prevention efforts have been underway for a number of years, many communities continue to have difficulty accessing quality health care and education.
In 2005, MSIA established and registered as a local non government organisation in PNG, YuMi Health PNG, trading as Marie Stopes Papua New Guinea (MSPNG). Dr Puka Temu, Deputy Prime Minister and Dame Carol Kidu, Minister of Community Development, have shown their support for the program by becoming patrons of the organisation.
Since opening the first static clinic in early 2007, the MSPNG team have served the sexual and reproductive health needs of more than 4,000 clients throughout Papua New Guinea, and is one of Marie Stopes International Australia’s youngest country programs.
Partnership agreements with the Department of Health and the Department of Community Development and Welfare, in conjunction with support and encouragement by various NGO stakeholders, donors, the University of Papua New Guinea and community members – MSPNG have been able to met the serious needs of this country and its people.
Beyond clinical services, MSPNG have continued to engage and collaborate with local church groups and students around sexual and reproductive healthcare, education and practice. Despite prevailing social norms, church leaders have become heavily involved in ensuring the health of their congregation and the local community by encouraging condom use for safe sex.
In an exciting initiative, parishioners were taught photographic skills and provided with cameras to record their personal views of sexual and reproductive health. The photographs resulting from the ‘Photovoice’ project have provided powerful insight into the issues within communities and will help us continue to improve and work upon our approach to sexual and reproductive health in Papua New Guinea.
The success of Marie Stopes Papua New Guinea is thanks to the generious suppoprt of donors such as the UK Goivernment (DFID), the European Union, UNFPA, the Dutch Government, AusAID and a number of private philanthripists.
Help us continue to provide vital sexual and reproductive health care to the people of Papua New Guinea , and our other country programs by clicking on the link below.