Quarterly Newsletter Jan– March 2021
Edition 1: Issue 7
Our Mission
Being called to follow the inspiration of the Gospel and the compassionate attitude of Jesus, we strive with conviction for excellence in all areas of training and nursing practice for the benefit of the community.
Our Vision
Catholic Church Health Services is an organisation whose members envision enhancing the quality of life of our people by providing a holistic approach to health care through trained, dedicated and compassionate staff.
Our Values
The Catholic Church recognises that training institutions, medical and nursing services are a continuation of the healing Ministry of Christ.
Therefore, our service will be comprehensive and holistic, embracing all people of our nation regardless of creed, colour or social status.
Catholic Church Health Services expects all of its personnel, regardless of whether they are paid or volunteers, to practice the values of:
- Integrity
- Justice
- Compassion
- Excellence
Contents Inside
- SRHIP Project Update
- YAHA ready for needs assessment rollout.
- DHSIO workshop a success
- 17 Diocese had pay centralised
- 4th Quarter report submitted to NDoH
- Raihu Hospital on Lockdown
- Banz 2 Urban Clinic Opens Extension
- Staff Received COVID testing training
Nutrition Program sees results - Goroka and Lae celebrates IWD
- Clinic celebrates WDoS
- Manus signs SLA with PHA
- National Office Perspective on COVID-19
- Diocese Update
Operations Must Continue
Kiunga: Catholic Church Health Services in Daru-Kiunga Diocese is taking the operation budget cut as a positive challenge to wisely priorities their programs and activities for this year.
“This has posed a big challenge for us on how well we will have to manage, priorities and implement our planned activities with the limited funds allocated,” Diocese Health Manager Eileen Liborius said.
In a circular to all the facilities, Liborius informed her staff to minimize expenses and spend according to Key Result Areas based on the outcome of the National Health Information System data submitted.
The diocese is one of the most geographically challenged diocese, when it comes to service delivery. It has 22 health facilities currently in operation with a majority of them in remote rural areas.
“Our facilities in the rural areas will be affected especially with logistics.” Liborius said.
“It’s very expensive in terms of fuel and airfares to transport staff, food supplies and medical supplies and also in doing patient referrals, conducting MCH clinics and outreaches.”
However, Liborius said she will be looking at opportunities or gaps on availability of transportation from the Government, NGOs, Western Provincial Health Authority and other funding sources to do integrated patrols/outreaches.
She has also informed her staff to as much as possible integrate COVID-19 awareness with other operation programs during Antennal Clinics, family planning, outpatient, Maternal Child Health, Outreaches, so on.
Catholic Health Commission Secretary Sr Faliszek Jadwiga in a statement to the CCHS Health Managers, said in spite of the reduction in the budget cut, they are grateful to the NDoH and all their donors for the ongoing support.
The Secretary said she hopes the budget cut will not discourage everyone but strengthen them to prioritize their activities and use the recourses to deliver essential services to the people who deserve their attention.
2021: Year of Health and Care Workers
This year is designated as the International Year of Health & Care Workers in appreciation and gratitude for their unwavering dedication in their fight against COVID-19. Your support and action to ensure that our health and care workforce are supported, protected, motivated, and equipped to deliver safe health care at all times is essential.
SECRETARIES MESSAGE
As we begin the holy week, let us remind ourselves that the spirit of
Easter is all about Hope, Joy, Peace and Love.
I am pleased to release the first edition of the Pulse for 2021. In this
edition, we journey through the many good work that has been done at
the diocese level despite the COVID 19 pandemic. We pray for
everyone who is affected by this global crisis and for the lives that have
been lost. The COVID19 virus has now spread to almost all provinces
and the reported death toll is increasing. I want to encourage everyone
to adhere to the control measures put in place and to abide by the new
normal or Niupla Pasin. There has been a lot of myth and uncertainty
around the COVID19 vaccine. We are working closely with the
Catholic Bishops Conference to release a statement on this. We know
that Pope Francis supports the global vaccination effort, but emphasises
on morality and individual freedom of choice.
The year 2021 brought blessings and a bit of sadness. As a nation we
mourn the passing of Great Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare, first
Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea and someone who has had a
massive influence on the political landscape of the country. His passing
united the nation as we saw from the two weeks Haus krai in Port
Moresby and other parts of the country.
We also lost a staunch supporter of the Catholic Church Health
Services, Late Dr Paison Dakulala. Dr Dakulala served as a member of
the CCHS National Board for a number of years and at the time of his
passing he was Deputy State of Emergency Control and Deputy
Secretary for National Department of Health. We pray for both souls to
find eternal rest.
Our team at the national office is growing as we see the need to further
strengthen our coordination with the dioceses. We welcome a new
M&E Manager, Gaius Sabumei and two new M&E Officers, Francis
Tulem and Sally Laka. They are joined by Harriet Wasina who will be
working closely with the training institutions and Nancy Aloitch who
will be working on the Kiunga Nutrition project.
We are now managing 16 diocesan payrolls at the National Office. Let
me clarify that this is not Alesco payroll but an approach that is
preparing us for it. A number of circulars have been sent in relation to
the payroll amalgamation and I encourage the dioceses to contact the
National Office if you have questions.
The COVID19 restrictions has now delayed most of the activities we
initial plan to conduct before June of this year. This included a number
of clinical trainings and a M&E follow-up training. We also plan to
conduct supervisory visits to a number of diocese but this is now
delayed. I will appeal to the dioceses to keep in constant contact with
the National Office as this is the only way we can all help each other.
We also plan to conduct a leadership training for health managers,
however this will also be delayed until further notice. The National
Office will keep you all updated on progress of activities.
To conclude, I want to wish you all Happy Easter celebrations. During
this very difficult time, let us all reflect on the death of Jesus Christ and
find strength and comfort. Let us prioritize our health and that of our
families and neighbours. I wish all your families receive immeasurable
blessings, love, peace and wealth during this Easter. May you all
continue to help the needy ones, especially those who are sick and keep
the attitude of gratitude always!
Sr Jadwiga Faliszek
CCHS National Secretary
SHRIP UPDATE
The integration of HIV standalone facilities into broader health setting is a process under taken through the Sexual Reproductive Health Integration project since 2017.
Phase 2 of the SRHI project began in July 2020 and focuses on ensure that we build stronger systems, better health services, stronger partnerships and stronger community engagements.
At the start of 2021, a supervisory visit was conduct to the Autonomous Region of Bougainville. The purpose of the visit was to follow– up on the progress of integration for the three
HIV standalone facilities; Mary Mother of Hope in Buke, Our Lady of Mercy in Arawa and St Vincent De Paul in Buin. All three facilities will continue to operate but with slight adjustments to the services and introduction of some new programs.
There were few other supervisory visits planned out, however due to the COVID19 restrictions on travel, these visits have been deferred to a later date.
Prior to the supervisory visit, a reflection workshop was held
with Health Managers and Diocesan Integration Officers
from 11 dioceses. The weeklong workshop provided the
opportunity for the National Office and engage directly with
the Health Managers and DHSIOs on operational and
program level issues. The workshop was timely and helpful,
especially when implementation of key activities was delayed
at the provincial level.
Most activities planned under SRHIP for the first 6 months of
2021 have been deferred. The National Office is exploring
options of coordinating and implementing some of the
activities. The use of the virtual platforms such as zoom and
Microsoft teams have been considered. Under SRHIP, the
National Office will be reaching out to dioceses to assess
existing capacity on ICT (Information Communication &
Technology) and areas that can be supported for virtual
connectivity.
In the first quarter of 2021, most of the eleven dioceses have
been provided with activity grants to support their operations.
The following activities have been implemented so far,
community outreach, support for HIV patient, inter-province
supervisory visits and meeting for clinic officers In-Charge.
During the COVID19 pandemic, support has been provided
towards community messages and the development of
awareness videos that are being disseminated to all the
provinces. Dr John Millan and the Australasian Society of
HIV, Viral Hepatitis and Sexual Health Medicine have been
providing clinical advise on HIV in the context of COVID19.
Head Office News
YAHA Ready for Need Assessment Rollout
NCD YAAC with Facilitators Melky David and Maureen Lesley after the Focus Group Discussion.
Port Moresby: Five Youth and Adolescent Advisory Committee for the National Capital District had their first initial meeting and Focus Group Discussion on 8th of March at the National Office.
Thirteen YAAC altogether were recruited in the five pilot dioceses, however due to travel risks and increase cases of COVID-19 they were not able to attend the meeting. Five were from NCD and two from each of the other dioceses, Bereina, Mendi, Goroka and Lae.
The committees are volunteers engaged to contribute in the development of a strategy that will be adapted into Catholic Health Clinics to meet the Sexual Reproductive Health (SRH) needs of young people in PNG.
Youth and Adolescent Health is an initiative designed under SRHIP II, to help young people access safe SRH services.
During the first FGD with the NCD YAAC, they were able to explore reproductive health priorities and needs, and also give their perspectives on SRH service needs of young people.
The first needs assessment study will be conducted in Bereina Diocese in Central Province, followed by NCD, Mendi, Goroka and then Lae.
The Needs Assessment Study will identify priority RHS needs of young people with implications for improving this service in PNG.
YAAC in each pilot dioceses will also have their induction meeting with the YAHA officer on what the initiative is and how their contribution is needed.
DHSIO Workshop a Success
Port Moresby: A successful Diocesan Health Service Integration Officers Review Workshop was conducted from the 9th to 11th of February at the Catholic Bishop Conference centre in Port Moresby.
It was led by Health System Coordinator Silentia Tulem and the National Catholic Church Health Service office team. The participants were inclusive of the DHSIOs and their Health Managers in the 11 respective Provinces that are engaged in the Sexual & Reproductive Health Integration Project (SRHIP) for Phase 2.
The workshop brought everyone together as they share their learnings from experiences since the inception of SRHIP 2 in order to better the current health system and services.
A few dioceses presented their Activity Implementation Plan for the year, others received help from the facilitators and were able to send in the AIP after the workshop.
Integration of four remaining facilities was also discussed at length in order to be finalized.
Autonomous Region of Bougainville diocese shared an informative presentation on their facilities and the three standalone HIV Voluntary Counselling sites that were integrated in phase 2 of the project.
17 Diocese Had Pay Centralised
Port Moresby: National Catholic Church Health Services is working on centralizing the payment of its staff’s salaries before the end of the second quarter.
NCCHS Corporate Director Jeffrey Vagalia said 17 out of the 22 dioceses who have provided their biodatas, are being paid from the National Office while five are yet to submit their biodatas. Dioceses that have submitted their biodatas, were asked to resubmit their data as the office is currently doing a payroll audit.
“This is so that we can cross check against the staff who are currently employed and is on the payroll,”
Vagalia said.
“Within the next three months, we are hoping to centralize all the dioceses before we move on to the Alesco Payroll system.”
This will be a significant change for church health workers to be included in the government pay system.
Vagalia said priority is being given to the 4 CCHS four hospitals as they are big and is currently paid with all dioceses from the grants.
“They have to be put on Alesco immediately.”
The hospitals are Migendi Rural hospital in Kundiawa, Raihu Rural Hospital in Aitape, St Mary’s Vunapope District Hospital in East New Britain and Wataluma District in Milne Bay.
4th Quarter Report Submitted to NDoH
Port Moresby: National Catholic Church Health Services successfully submitted its fourth quarter report to the National Department of Health in January this year.
Projects Director Graham Apian said the major highlight of the report was the transition of Sexual Reproductive Health Integration Project (SRHIP) from phase one to phase two.
“The main achievement under SRHIP was the integration of five facilities that now we’ve been able to categorized under at least under one of the four integration models. The facilities are St Joseph VCCT in Goroka, Rebiamul VCCT/ART, Bishop Henry Aid-Post in Lae and three facilities in Bougainville, Mary Mother of Hope VCCT, Our Lady of Mercy and St Vincent De Paul.
Other major highlights of the quarter were the infrastructure extension of Banz Urban Clinic in Jiwaka, Bishop Henry Aid-post in Morobe and the ward maintenance of Tearouke Clinic in Bougainville. CCHS has received a number of financial supports from its partners, NDoH, DFAT, Global Fund and UNICEF in that quarter that helped boost the work on the ground.
Monitoring and Evaluation report for 2017 to 2019 were also printed and distributed to the 21 dioceses around the country.
Diocese News
Raihu Hospital on Lockdown
Aitape: Raihu Rural Hospital in Aitape, West Sepik, was on 2 weeks lockdown after an infant and eight clinical staff were tested positive for Corona Virus in late February.
“The first case was an infant, who has recovered and doing well,” Aitape Catholic Health Service Manager Sr Lorna Kawa said.
Through contact tracing, eight out of 49 staff were tested positive and were asked to go into isolation.
“They were all asymptomatic upon testing,” Sr Lorna said.
She added that the hospital is not in complete lockdown as the obstetric and medical wards are accept emergency referrals from other clinics.
Contact tracing will also be done to the families of the staff diagnosed.
The Raihu School of Nursing was also closed since it was connected to the hospital.
A team of health workers form the hospital has also been going around the town and public places doing awareness on the New Normal Health Measures and the Hospital’s current situation.
Staff Received COVID Testing Training
Kimbe: Valoka Health Centre will be providing COVID-19 testing for its 20 044-catchment population after its staff received training in early February.
Nine healthcare workers from the Valoka Health Centre received the antigen detection rapid diagnostic test training.
The training was facilitated by a team from the World Health Organisation at the health centre’s laboratory building.
Four community health workers, four nursing officers and a lab technician will now be able to test patients for COVID-19.
Ag-RDT detects the virus that causes COVID-19 in respiratory samples using lateral flow immunoassay. It is easy to use and provides tests results in less than 30 minutes.
The participants were also given proper training on the donning and doffing of Personal Protective Equipment’s.
Banz 2 UC Opens Extension
Jiwaka: Banz 2 Day Clinic has been actively adhering to the new normal health measures since the facility opened its extension in December last year.
“Here in Banz we are doing triaging separately, no mask no entry, COVID-19 health education every morning and staff to clean up every afternoon.” CCHS Health Integration Officer Paul Zulu said.
Through the Sexual Reproductive Health Integration Project supported by the Australian government clinic extension can now accommodate HIV and ART services ,well women clinic and also adhere to the new normal measures.
Zulu said despite the facility being badly deteriorating, it was kept open to serve the 7000 plus catchment population in North Waghi who depended on the health clinic services.
His Excellency, Archbishop Douglas Young of the Mt Hagen Archdiocese blessed and officially opened the renovated and extension of the facility.
The Clinic was one of few remaining facilities established over 40 years ago by missionaries under the Mt Hagen Archdiocese.
The local population now have access to a new, improved and spacious facility that they can call their own.
Nutrition Program See Results
Kiunga: The Infant Young Child Feeding and Nutrition program has brought about a much-needed aid to communities in Daru-Kiunga Diocese since its implementation in October 2020.
The program is funded by UNICEF and rolled out by Catholic Church Health Services and Evangelical Church of PNG in partnership with the National Department of Health.
It aims to address malnutrition in children between the ages of 6– 72 months old as an emergency response in the context of COVID-19. Since its implementation, more than 1200 children were either diagnosed for Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) or were at risk of SAM.
CCHS Project Director, Mr Graham Apian said the focus of this project is to supply Micronutrient Powders (MNP) and Vitamin A tablets to the children in the communities will continue. Mr Apian added that the implementation of these activities will be carried out by Health Care Workers (HCW) and Village Health Volunteers (VHV) who were trained and attached with the health facilities in the province. There have been ongoing community awareness on IYCF practices to identify and managing SAM.
Goroka and Lae celebrate IWD
Lae & Goroka: Catholic Church Health Services staff around the country joined in the celebration of International Woman’s Day by wearing purple ribbons to work on the 8th of March.
CCHS Lae celebrated women’s achievements in healthcare, regardless of race, tribe, culture or positions.
Each of the CCHS Lae employee received a purple ribbon and all the female staff received an IWD gift card to commemorate the day. Although they celebrate IWD every year, this year is special as all their male colleagues showed their support by wearing the purple ribbon and posing for pictures with placards of challenges.
While in Goroka, staff at St Joseph VCT celebrated the day with a light refreshment to acknowledge the tireless woman who care for People living with HIV and carry out awareness in the communities over the years.
CCHS joined in the global #ChooseToChallenge campaign to call out inequality, support woman’s rights, celebrate woman’s achievements and collectively assist women who access services and to be in a position of power to make informed decisions about their health.
Integration Officer for CCHS Lae, Samantha Tirang said woman in health are exposed to many risks everyday of their lives, yet their achievements go unnoticed.
“Being a healthcare worker, you achieve something everyday when you diagnose a patient, prescribe medicine and save a life which is the greatest achievement.
“In CCHS we learn to treat our patients with love, care and compassion and that is the greatest gift we can give to our patients.
She added that they are grateful that their male colleagues showed their support today as well as every day.
Clinic Celebrated WDoS
Alotau: Staff and patients of Sideia Health Sub-centre in Milne Bay, joined Catholic faithfuls around the world in a double celebration on the 11th of February.
The combined celebration was to commemorate the 29th World Day of the Sick and the liturgical memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Lourdes.
People of Sideia started the day off with a holy mass in the grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes, where the health staff and their families led the liturgy at Sedeia Mission Centre
This was followed by a common meal shared among staff, patients and their guardians at the Health Centre.
After the mass, the Officer in Charge gave a heart-warming speech of gratitude to the staff and guardians and presented each patients with gifts.
Stated in the message from His Holiness Pope Francis, the celebration is an opportunity to devote special attention to the sick and those who provide them with assistance and care both in healthcare institutions and within families and communities.
“To Mary, Mother of Mercy and Health of the Infirm, I entrust the sick, healthcare workers and all those who generously assist our suffering brothers and sisters. From the Grotto of Lourdes and her many other shrines throughout the world, may she sustain our faith and hope, and help us care for one another with fraternal love. To each and all, I cordially impart my blessing.”
Manus signs SLA with PHA
Holding the signed Agreement, Chairman MPHA Mr Siwer, His Excellency Archbishop Rochus Tatamai and Dean for Manus Fr Clement Taulam
Manus: Catholic Church Health Services of Manus has paved the way for other Niugini Islands in signing the Service level partnership agreement with Manus Provincial Health Authority on the 5th of March.
His Excellency, Archbishop Rochus Josef Tatamai said Manus as a deanery has paved the way for the Diocese of Kavieng.
“I want to see similar documentation and signing for the other dioceses of Bougainville, Kimbe, Kavieng and Rabaul Archdiocese.”
National Health Secretary for CCHS, Sr Faliszek Jadwiga was unable to attend the ceremony due to the increase in COVID-19 case in Port Moresby.
Other authorised signatories to the agreement present were Archbishop Rochus Tatamai and Chairman for Manus PHA. Robert Siwer.
The Dean of Manus Deanery, Fr. Clement Taulam in his opening remarks, acknowledged Manus CCHS Manager Michael Marau and CEO for Manus PHA for their commitment in the
Mr. Siwer said CCHS and PHA for Manus have been working as a team over the years and this event will strengthen them to serve the people better.
“Thankyou CCHS Manus for serving our rural villages and know this, PHA Manus will continue to assist you as we go into the future.”
The event was witnessed by catholic faithfuls, priests, interested public, staff of Manus CCHS and PHA at the St Michael Catholic Church in Lorengau.
COVID-19 CORNER
National Office Perspective on COVID-19
National CCHS office is adhering to the Measures that the National Office of the Controller has sent out.
The 12 measures have been circulated to all Health Managers during the month of March from the NCCHS Office.
Provincial Administrators as per measure number 4 is given the powers under the Pandemic Act to be responsible for the implementations of all the measures in each respective province.
CCHS Management urges diocese health offices to work closely with the Provincial Advisory Group set up within the provinces during this COVID-19 surge.
The Provincial Advisory Group comprises of chairperson (Provincial Administrator), Provincial Police Commander, Chief Executive Officer of the Provincial Health Authority (PHA) Chief Executive Officers of the District Development Authorities, Other person the Provincial Administrators appoints, Church Representatives, Business Council Representative and Nonvoting member opted by the taskforces.
CCHS National Secretary, Sister Jadwiga Faliszek has maintained that CCHS Health Diocese Office works with the PHA and establish COVID-19 Provincial Advisory Group (PAG) in the provinces for ease of coordination.
Meanwhile CCHS National Office is working around the clock to secure support to assist the clinics, this may take time and so it is important to work with the PAG in the provinces and ensure our services continues.
She encourages an open communication to the national office and Provincial Advisory Group during this time.
Diocese Update
The surge in the number of people being diagnosed or dying from COVID-19 in the country is both alarming and concerning.
Based on the information provided by Health Managers in the March, there has been a number of the Catholic Church Health Services staff diagnosed with COVID-19.
Aitape Diocese was the first to report eight of its frontline workers being diagnosed after coming in contact with their first case.
Other dioceses that reported positive cases were, Vanimo, Kimbe, Kundiawa, Goroka and Mt Hagen.
Four CCHS facilities have been chosen to do COVID-19 tests, they are Migendi District Hospital in Kundiawa, Lote Health Sub-centre in Vanimo, Valoka Health Centre in Kimbe and St Mary’s Vunapope District Hospital in Rabaul.
One of the biggest problem facilities face now is the shortage of Personal Protective Equipment.
With the increase in cases, all staff are advised to continue practicing the basic five;
• Wash hands frequently with soap
• Cough or sneeze into elbow
• Social distancing of 1.5 or 2 meters
• Avoid touching eyes nose and mouth.
• If your feeling sick, seek medical help.
Few of the health mangers have reported that their facilities are doing triaging and screen of their patients.
It important that all facilities should have a triage station at the facility entrance before allow patients to enter the waiting area or screen patients for COVID-19.
Triaging will help in identify COVID-19 suspects and establish further investigation, diagnose and provide proper referral for testing or management.
