First Quarter Newsletter Jan – Mar 2024
Issue 19
Our Vision
To improve the healthcare of the people of Papua New Guinea whom we serve regardless of age, religion, gender, or ethnicity.
Our Mission
To provide comprehensive, compassionate, and equitable health care, health promotion and disease prevention to the people whom we serve throughout PNG.
Our Values
Our standards apply to everything we do as CCHS. We live and practice by our “I CARE & COMPASSION” motto which exemplifies our mission and vision. In addition, CCHS staff and volunteers practice the values of:
- Integrity: Honesty and responsibility to oneself and others
- Justice: Defence and advocacy for the rights of the poor and vulnerable
- Compassion: Genuine care and heartfelt concern for those we serve
- Excellence: Professional competence and responsible stewardship
In this Issue
- Opening of New Staff House for Ho’owalai
Aidpost - CCHS Conducts Successful SRHIP Review
Workshop - Nutrition Support Officers Complete
Training to Tackle Malnutrition Crisis in
PNG - Empowering Healthy Choices- CERVICAL
CANCER - CCHS United in the Fight Against
Tuberculosis on World TB Day - Proper Diagnosis can save a life
- Fiona Bau’s Journey from Volunteer to
Hero
New Ambulance for CCHS-Kundiawa Diocese
In a significant development to enhance rural medical services in the Kundiawa region, Reverend Bishop Paul Sundu blessed two ambulances on March 6, 2024. The keys to these ambulances were presented to the Catholic Church Health Services (CCHS) of the Diocese of Kundiawa for administrative purposes and to Migende Rural Hospital to cater to the healthcare needs of remote areas in Simbu Province.
The National CCHS office in Port Moresby procured one of the two ambulances anew, while the other was refurbished from components of two old ambulances. Dr. Michael Siune, representing the rural medical team, expressed gratitude, emphasizing the pivotal role the ambulances would play in delivering essential services to the rural parts of Simbu Province.
“This ambulance will be put to good use and will greatly assist my team in carrying out our most needed services in the rural parts of Simbu Province,” remarked Dr. Siune.
Reverend Bishop Sundu thanked Sr. Jadwiga for securing the new ambulance for Mingende Hospital, saying, “This additional ambulance will allow the hospital to expand its health care services to the most isolated parts of the diocese.”
“I encourage the doctors (health workers) to combine a pastoral aspect with their health care engagements within the diocese.”
The CCHS of Kundiawa operates one rural hospital and nine other reporting facilities, totaling ten operating facilities. These facilities provide crucial services, including outpatient care, community-based programs, medical services, TB and HIV clinics, and various preventive healthcare initiatives.
The addition of ambulances will significantly improve the efficiency and effectiveness of healthcare delivery in rural areas. It will ensure timely access to medical assistance and enhance the overall well-being of the communities served by these facilities.
The provision of these ambulances stands as a testament to the combined efforts of various stakeholders in addressing the healthcare challenges faced by rural communities. It marks a positive step towards achieving equitable healthcare access for all residents of the Kundiawa region.
CCHS NATIONAL HEALTH SECRETARY’S MESSAGE
Dear Readers and CCHS personnels,
I hope this message finds you all well and in good spirits. I want to express my sincere appreciation for your unwavering commitment to health services. Together, as one team, we achieved many milestones in 2023, and I am deeply grateful for every one of you.
One of my highlights was the opportunity to attend the four regional conferences and hear directly from you in your respective provinces. Your insights, experiences, and dedication inspire me every day.
As we move into 2024, we must emphasize proper planning for all our activities. With the first quarter already behind us, we must recognize the importance of meticulous planning and the satisfaction of achieving our goals. With a clear plan, we can maintain sight of our purpose as health workers and the objectives we aim to accomplish.
Our last planning workshop in August 2023 emphasized short-term goals and long-term strategies. I encourage each of you to envision the future of your services five years from now. Remember, we are here at the National CCHS office to support and assist you in any way we can, and together, we can overcome any challenges that come our way.
I’m thrilled to announce that we will host the National CCHS Conference at the Gateway Hotel from May 14th to 16th, 2024, under the theme “Improving Rural Health, from Heart to Health.” This conference promises to be a learning, collaboration, and innovation platform.
Following the conference, we will conduct a weeklong Middle Management training from May 20th to 24th, facilitated under the Health Services Sector Development Program (HSSDP). This training, supported by Caritas Australia, aims to enhance the managerial capabilities of our facility officers, and drive positive change in our health services.
Additionally, this month, we have scheduled Human Resources Personnel Training sessions focused on the Updated/Revised Human Resource Manual for CCHS and the CCHS Staff Induction Manual. These manuals include several new policies approved by the NCCHS Board, reflecting our commitment to excellence and professionalism.
On a celebratory note, I would like to congratulate Mrs. Maureen Lesley on her appointment as the health manager for the CCHS of the Archdiocese of Madang. Many of you may recognize her as the project coordinator for the Sexual Reproductive Health Integration Project here at the National office.
As we embark on the second quarter of 2024, I wish you continued success and fulfillment. Let us strive to impact our communities’ health and well-being positively.
With warm regards,
Sr. Jadwiga Faliszek SSpS
CCHS National Health Secretary
Opening of New Staff House for Ho’owalai Aidpost
Bishop Roland Santos of the Diocese of Alotau Sideia and Fr. Basil Dikeuyo, the parish priest of Ho’owalai parish, officially blessed and opened a new staff house for Ho’owalai Aidpost in Milne Bay on February 18, 2024.
This significant development in healthcare marks a crucial milestone in the provision of healthcare services in the Sagari Valley, in Alotau district. Ho’owalai Aidpost is one of 10 health facilities under the Catholic Church Health Services of the Diocese of Alotau-Sideia in Milne Bay Province.
The construction of the staff house, has been underway when the National Health Secretary of the CCHS, Sr Jadwiga Faliszek, visited the construction site last year during a supervisory visit.
“Many of our facilities across the country lack proper infrastructure to house our staff and facilitate our health services. We are actively seeking funding to support us in continuing to provide services to our people,” emphasized Sr. Jadwiga, expressing the ongoing challenges faced by healthcare facilities nationwide.
The presence of Bishop Santos, Fr. Dikeuyo, Sr. Nomita Rozario, the Diocese’s health manager, and the Sagari Valley community during the opening ceremony emphasized the significance of the event. Community members expressed gratitude to the National CCHS office and the National Health Secretary, for funding and supporting the project until completion. They also extended their appreciation to the Diocese CCHS for their continuous support.
“This house will accommodate the health workers who will serve the people, and the people are grateful,” remarked a community member, reflecting on the new facility’s positive impact on healthcare accessibility in the region.
The completion and blessing of the Ho’owalai Aidpost staff house symbolize a collaborative effort between the community, religious leaders, and healthcare authorities to enhance healthcare infrastructure and services, ultimately improving the well-being of residents in the Sagari Valley and surrounding communities.
CCHS Conducts Successful SRHIP Review Workshop
The National Catholic Church Health Services (CCHS) of Papua New Guinea (PNG) successfully conducted a three-day review workshop aimed at enhancing the Sexual Health Integration Project (SRHIP) across the country. Diocesan Health Services Integration Officers (DHSIO) and officers in charge from eight of 11 participating provinces attended the workshop from February 13th to 15th, 2024, at the Catholic Bishop Conference Center in Port Moresby.
The workshop focused on reflection, learning, and collaborative planning to ensure the successful implementation of SRHIP. Despite the absence of three provinces – Madang, Western Highlands, and Autonomous Region of Bougainville – the event saw active participation from delegates representing East Sepik, West Sepik, Morobe, Southern Highlands, Eastern Highlands, Western, Central provinces, and the National Capital District.
The objectives of the workshop were multifaceted, aiming to increase understanding of key expectations for sub-grant arrangements, improve competency and confidence in implementing the DHSIO Annual Implementation Plan for 2024, emphasize provincial-level partnerships, and strengthen reporting mechanisms at the diocese and facility levels.
William Vagi, DHSIO for CCHS of the Diocese of Bereina, Central Province, highlighted the unique approach taken by facilitators, which included color-coded performance evaluations. Vagi remarked, “The direct feedback was invaluable, providing clarity on our standing and insight into areas that need improvement.”
Vagi further shared insights into the impactful discussions during the workshop, stating, “Engaging with colleagues from other provinces and hearing their experiences was enlightening, gave me numerous ideas, and increased my enthusiasm to return and work on my AIP.” He highlighted the importance of one of his activities implemented last year the ‘Peer to Peer’ program, which aimed at providing comprehensive sexual health education to young people in the Veifa communities. He also expressed his gratitude for the continued support received from facilitators and Australian Aid for funding the project, highlighting the project’s impact on ensuring continued access to essential supplies for individuals on Antiretroviral Therapy (ART).
Although Mr. Graham Apian, the CCHS Projects Director, could not attend the workshop, he conveyed his appreciation for the achievements of 2023 and urged participants to strive for further success in 2024. Apian emphasized the importance of cooperation and announced plans for closer collaboration, including monthly virtual meetings, and gave each province a mobile phone to assist in facilitating communication.
At the workshop’s closure, three high performing CCHS offices from Western, Southern Highlands, and Morobe provinces were recognized for their dedication with small tokens of appreciation.
The success of this workshop marked a significant step forward in the ongoing efforts of CCHS to promote sexual health integration and improve healthcare delivery across PNG.
Nutrition Support Officers Complete Training to Tackle Malnutrition Crisis in PNG
A group of nine dedicated Nutrition Support Officers (NSOs) successfully concluded a comprehensive two-week training of trainers on Integrated Management of Acute Malnutrition (IMAM) at the Shaddy Rest Hotel in Port Moresby from January 8th to January 19th, 2024. The training, aimed at building the capacity of these officers to address malnutrition, was organized by the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) in collaboration with the Catholic Church Health Services (CCHS) and the National Department of Health (NDoH).
This initiative marks the second year of the “Taking Nutrition Services to Scale (TNSS) in PNG” project, a collaborative effort between UNICEF, the National CCHS office, and NDoH, which commenced last year. The project’s primary focus is on curbing the escalating rates of severe malnutrition in children aged less than five years, school-aged children from 5-9, and adolescents from 10-19 years old. More emphasis is on the first 1000 days of a child’s growth and cognitive development.
The training sessions, held at the Shaddy Rest Hotel, brought together NSOs from various provinces, including Simbu, Enga, Southern Highlands, Hela, Madang, and East New Britain. Additionally, three NSOs from Provincial Health Authorities for Madang, Morobe, and the National Capital District attended the sessions.
The TNSS project aims to equip NSOs with the necessary skills, knowledge, and techniques to effectively train others on providing interventions, nutrition care, counseling, promoting, supporting, and advocating exclusive breastfeeding across the three main platforms – Health Facilities, Schools, and communities. Mr. Graham Apian, the Projects Director of NCCHS, commended the NSOs for their dedication and successful completion of the training.
During his address, Mr. Apian emphasized the importance of teamwork and effective communication among CCHS staff and Provincial Health Authorities (PHA). He urged them to drive the project forward and learn from past experiences to improve the outcomes this year.
“I want to urge all of you, the CCHS staff, and PHAs to work as a team and drive this project forward. Also stressing on communication and timely reporting, please learn from last year and improve this year,” Mr. Apian said.
NSOs in the implementing provinces are encouraged to maintain open lines of communication with the CCHS national office. Additionally, a dedicated WhatsApp group has been established for quick assistance or clarifications on specific topics related to the project.
The successful completion of this training represents a significant step forward in the fight against malnutrition in Papua New Guinea, demonstrating the commitment of the involved organizations to make a positive impact on the health and well-being of the nation’s children.
during the training.
By Dr Athansius Kari
The cervix is part of the reproductive system in girls and women. It is a strong muscle that lies below the uterus or womb, and it can carry the fetus’s or baby’s weight during pregnancy.
Cervical cancer is amongst the top 3 leading causes of cancer affecting women in the world today. Cervical cancer is a disease or cancer which affects the cervix. This form of cancer continues to impact and kill many women in PNG today because many women and men do not know what causes it or how it is transmitted. Furthermore, many people do not know how to get help or where to get screening, testing, and treatment.
Cervical cancer is caused by a virus called the human papillomavirus (HPV). There are many types of HPV, and the body’s immune system can clear this virus in many instances. 
If the body cannot clear the HPV, this can lead to cancer. The virus sub-types 6, 11, 16, and 18 are known to cause cervix cancer. Abnormal changes or growth on the cervix caused by the virus can take a long time to develop without any symptoms. HPV can be spread by skin-to-skin contact or through sexual intercourse.
Cervical cancer is a fatal disease in PNG because many women present to the hospital late when the disease is extensive and has spread to other parts of their bodies and symptoms are showing. Women with the disease may develop abnormal vaginal bleeding between normal menstruation or during and after sexual intercourse. They may experience lower abdominal pain and abnormal vaginal discharge.
The excellent news is that screening, diagnosis, and early treatment are becoming available in some parts of rural PNG. We can prevent women from dying of cancer of the cervix with early screening and treatment of HPV. Women can be taught how to self-collect the cervix smear sample in their privacy within the testing site and produce this for testing and diagnosis using the GeneXpert machine. Women with positive test results for HPV undergo a quick treatment called thermal ablation or ‘heat treatment’ there and then in the facility. First, some vinegar solution is applied to the cervix using cotton wool, and the area of the cervix that is infected by HPV turns white in color. Then, heat is applied to the affected part of the cervix using the thermal ablation device, which uses electricity. The treatment is very safe, and there is minimal or no discomfort. It usually takes 4 to 6 weeks for the cervix to heal after thermal ablation, so women are advised not to have penetrative sexual intercourse during this period. After treatment, these women can return in 6 to 12 months to have a repeat HPV test.
and treatment.
In early March, I visited the Stellamaris VCT Centre in Kavieng town to learn about the new cervical screening facility and services created by partnership from New Ireland PHA, DFAT and CCHS Kavieng. This new service was in operation for only one week at the time of my visit. The screening facility had a waiting area for staff to give health talks about cervical cancer.
The staff taught women and their husbands or partners how to do a self-collection specimen correctly using actual swabs, correct technique, flip charts, and diagrams, and they were shown to the facility bathrooms to collect their own specimens. After collection, specimens were brought into the testing room for PCR testing using GeneXpert machines. For positive tests, women were taken to the treatment room for inspection of the cervix and application of thermal ablation on the infected part of the cervix.
Those women would be reviewed a few days after the procedure if there was any further discomfort experienced or return 6-12 months later for a repeat HPV screening test. Women with negative results were asked to do a repeat test in 5 years’ time. The facility saw an increased number of women coming forward for testing, and this gave them more opportunities to do other tests such as HIV, STDs, etc. Some men accompanied their wives to the facility to learn about cervical cancer.
This great initiative by New Ireland PHA to partner with CCHS Kavieng, made possible by DFAT and other collaborative partners in Australia, is planned to reach out to more people in rural New Ireland. There are now efforts being made to train more staff and organize rural outreach services where early cervical cancer screening, testing, and treatment can be implemented throughout the province. I want to acknowledge the support of Sr. Roselyn Sapak of Stellamaris VCT Centre in Kavieng and her dedicated team, together with New Ireland PHA staff, who were there to show me such an outstanding health service for our people.
Take Home Message
Cancer of the cervix is one of the leading causes of cancer
in women in the world today.
• HPV is a common virus, and some types of HPV can
infect cells of the cervix, causing cancer of the cervix.
• HPV can be transmitted through skin-to-skin contact or
through sexual intercourse.
• Cancer of the cervix is not caused by the use of family
planning methods.
• Cancer of the cervix is preventable.
• Early screening and treatment save lives.
• Tests are quick and painless.
• HPV screening results are available on the same day,
usually within 1 hour of testing.
• All women who have ever had sexual intercourse, even if
only once or with only one person, can be tested for HPV.
• Thermal ablation does not affect fertility.
• Further treatment or referral can be arranged if required.
• Girls aged 9–14 can be vaccinated to protect them from
HPV infection.
CCHS United in the Fight Against Tuberculosis on World TB Day
On World Tuberculosis (TB) Day, March 24, 2024, the Catholic Church Health Services (CCHS) of Papua New Guinea (PNG) rallied together to combat the rising tide of TB infections across the country. With the theme “Yes! We can end TB!” this year’s campaign resonates with a message of hope and urgency, emphasizing the need for proactive measures and decisive actions to tackle the TB epidemic.
Despite the challenges posed by limited infrastructure and resources, the CCHS, operating through its 19 dioceses and 248-plus facilities, intensified its efforts to raise awareness and provide vital healthcare services in rural and remote PNG areas. These efforts come in response to alarming statistics, with PNG being among the 30 highest-burden countries for TB globally.
Ken Wai, the Deputy Director for Public Health at the National Department of Health, revealed sobering data indicating a concerning trend in TB diagnoses. With approximately 3,500 new cases diagnosed monthly, equating to around 800 cases per week or roughly a case every day, the situation demands immediate attention. Tragically, between 15 and 20 lives are lost to TB each day in PNG alone.
In line with the World TB Day campaign, CCHS launched week-long awareness programs leading up to the event. Commencing on March 19, activities included outreach programs, school visits, and public awareness campaigns in bustling marketplaces. These efforts aimed not only to educate the public about TB signs, symptoms, and prevention but also to encourage active participation in ending the spread of the disease within communities.
From the bustling streets of Lae to the serene landscapes of Daru- Kiunga, Alotau-Sideia, Kimbe, Wabag, Jiwaka, and Rabaul, communities came together to mark World TB Day with marches, awareness campaigns, and free testing initiatives. The collaborative spirit between healthcare workers, community leaders, and volunteers underscored a unified commitment to combating TB.
In Rabaul, the St. Mary Vunapope Hospital took a unique approach, harnessing the power of community engagement through initiatives in Church Avenue and marketplace hotspots. Similarly, in Wabag, Jiwaka, Kimbe, and Alotau, health centers, and communities are united to raise awareness and provide essential services.
Despite the challenges posed by geography and limited resources, PNG’s unwavering commitment to fighting TB shines through on World TB Day. As the nation grapples with the burden of this disease, the collective efforts of organizations like the CCHS and communities nationwide offer a beacon of hope for a TB-free future. Through sustained action, investment, and collaboration, PNG moves closer to realizing the vision of a world where TB is no longer a threat to public health.
Proper Diagnosis can save a life
after recovering for his surgery and admittance at
the Kundiawa hospital.
Story By: Janet Popon (CHW _Mendi CCHS)
Simon Toveya, a 25-year-old seminarian from Ange village in Pangia, Southern Highland Province, had been struggling with his health for some time. He visited various hospitals seeking medical help, including Kudjip Hospital in Jiwaka Province, Mt Hagen Provincial Hospital in Western Highlands, and Mendi Provincial Hospital in Southern Highlands Province. Unfortunately, he did not receive accurate diagnoses or treatment at any of these places, leading to a gradual decline in his health.
Eventually, he was tentatively diagnosed with tuberculosis (TB) of the abdomen at Mendi Provincial Hospital but was not given proper treatment. Disheartened, he returned home. That’s when I, Janet Popon, a Community Health Worker certified as an HIV ART Prescriber at St Felix Yarepore VCT in Pangia, met him. Simon had come to see Fr. Patrick, the parish priest, at St. Felix Friary.
When I saw Simon, he appeared very sick and thin. I suggested he bring his medical records, which he did. I then conducted a thorough examination and took a detailed medical history. During the examination, Simon mentioned experiencing chronic severe back pain radiating to his tailbone and unexplained weight loss.
Based on my examination and findings, I carefully diagnosed him with spinal TB. I wrote a referral letter advising him to go directly to Kundiawa Provincial Hospital. This diagnosis was later confirmed at the hospital through an x-ray, revealing extensive damage to his spine from TB bacilli. Simon underwent an eight-hour operation and was admitted to the hospital for several months before finally being discharged with a Plaster of Paris (POP) around his waist and supported crutches.
Simon returned home grateful for the correct diagnosis and treatment. Witnessing his recovery further motivated me in my role. Our Catholic Church Health Services of Mendi motto, “We treat, and Jesus Heals,” resonates deeply with me. This experience reinforced my commitment to proper patient screening and assisting in diagnosing and treating illnesses.
I aim to address the gaps in patient care, such as inadequate history-taking and examinations, which I observed most clinicians tend to do. I believe every patient deserves a thorough examination and proper medical history to ensure accurate diagnoses and effective treatment.
In addition to providing better care, I want to raise awareness about TB and its symptoms. Thanks to support from the Sexual Reproductive Health Integration Project, we have improved our services and received training. Proper examinations and history-taking are crucial for diagnosing and treating patients effectively.
I am determined to continue advocating for early treatment and better management practices at our healthcare facilities.
Fiona Bau’s Journey from Volunteer to Hero
she successfully delivered.
In the quiet and remote Usino Bundi District of Madang, the Brahman Health Sub-Centre stands as a beacon of hope for the surrounding local communities. A part of its success is Fiona Bau, a 30-year-old Nursing Officer (NO) whose commitment to health has not only transformed her professional journey but has also left a lasting mark on the lives she touches.
Sr. Bua’s story began in 2019 when Stella Garima, the Officer in Charge of Brahman HSC, recognized Fiona’s potential and engaged her as a nurse volunteer. Working on a casual basis, Sr. Bau humbly embraced her duties, driven by a desire to serve the communities in her local district. The opportunity to contribute to the local health sector resonated deeply with her, and she continued her service until January 31, 2022, when she was formally employed by the Catholic Church Health Services (CCHS) of Madang Archdiocese.
Brahman HSC, the sole CCHS facility in the Usino Bundi District, is part of a network of 31 health facilities in Madang. CCHS in Madang comprises of health centers, health sub-centers, community health posts, aid posts, and care centers, playing a crucial role in delivering healthcare to the province. With ongoing challenges, 7 of the facilities are closed with 24 currently operating.
One remarkable aspect of Sr. Bua’s journey is her dedication to learning. Without formal qualifications as a Midwife, Sr. Bua became a keen learner under the guidance of the OIC, who is a nursing officer and specializes in midwifery. In the last five years at Brahman HSC, Fiona, along with the team, achieved an impressive record of 86 successful deliveries, including her first-ever triplet delivery recently.
Reflecting on her experiences, Sr. Bua shared, “Some deliveries came with all kinds of complications, but I handled them skillfully, just like anyone with midwife training would. This is all thanks to the OIC and her mentorship.” Notably, Brahman HSC takes pride in maintaining a spotless record with no maternal or child deaths.
One extraordinary delivery that will forever stand out in Sr. Bua’s memory will be this “triplet birth”. The pregnant mother, facing complications, traveled an arduous eight-hour journey from Bundi to Brahman, guided by the hope that the health workers at Brahman HSC would ensure a safe delivery for her babies. Fiona, after detecting only two heartbeats on the initial examination, surprised everyone when she delivered three healthy baby girls.
Describing the challenging birth, Sr. Bua said, “The firstborn came on a normal delivery and the other two with breech presentation, but I managed to overcome the complication because I prayed to God for his guidance and also had faith in myself that I would save the three babies with their mother.”
Sr. Bua’s confidence and faith were rewarded. At 3:15 am, the first baby was born, followed by the second five minutes later, and the last born arrived 10 minutes after that. All three girls weighed in healthy, showcasing Fiona’s expertise and resilience in the face of challenges.
Asked about the experience, Sr. Bua beamed with pride, saying, “I am very happy with the successful delivery. This was a rare case, and it gave me the confidence to handle deliveries in the future without supervision and also motivated me in my professional nursing career.”
Sr. Bua’s dedication and success have not gone unnoticed. During her career, a total of five babies have been named after her, including the firstborn of the triplet she delivered. As she jokingly puts it, “I guess I’ve become a popular choice for baby names in the area.”
Fiona Bau’s journey is proof of the impact that a committed individual can have on a community’s health. Through her firm dedication, she has not only saved lives but has also inspired confidence and hope in the hearts of those she serves.
Celebrating International Women’s day: CCHS Offers Free Health Checks to Empower Women
On March 8, 2024, amidst a global celebration of International Women’s Day, Catholic Church Health Services (CCHS) facilities, supported by the PNG-Aust Transition to Health (PATH), took a significant step towards women’s empowerment with the theme “Inspire Inclusion.” This initiative, a part of the Sexual Reproductive Health Services Project, aimed to address critical health issues affecting women across Papua New Guinea.
Health Workers joined hands with the health workers
at Veifa HC to conduct free health Clinic.
In a remarkable effort spanning 12 out of 13 SRHIP facilities across 11 provinces, CCHS health workers extended their services beyond routine care. They provided free health checks and educational sessions covering essential topics such as sexual health, HIV, STIs, TB, and cancer. The initiative not only focused on physical health but also delved into areas crucial for women’s well-being, including women’s rights, violence against women, and counseling.
At the heart of this endeavor was a commitment to inclusivity and community engagement. Partnering with local priests and community leaders, CCHS ensured that the message of empowerment and access to healthcare reached every corner of the country. Through these collaborative efforts, they aimed to break barriers and facilitate dialogue around women’s health.
The Health Manager for CCHS of Daru Kiunga Diocese in Western Province expressed joy in celebrating International Women’s Day while conducting essential health patrols, emphasizing the importance of recognizing women as superheroes in their communities.
for Vanimo doing awareness on Cancer, STI, HIV and
general health.
Similar activities unfolded across various dioceses, resonating with the spirit of empowerment and support for women. In Vanimo Diocese, health workers conducted a dedicated women’s health clinic, focusing on raising awareness about STI/HIV and cervical and breast cancer.
In the diocese of Bougainville, Reverend Bishop Darius Kaluza delivered an inspirational speech, urging health and diocese administration officers to support and uplift women. Following his address, free health checks were provided to all present, emphasizing the holistic approach to women’s well-being.
In Bereina Diocese, over 130 women attended a general check-up clinic and a collective celebration of International Women’s Day. The community pledged support for women and girls, challenged norms, and advocated for education and empowerment.
Similar initiatives took place in other regions, including Wewak and Mendi, where healthworkers conducted awareness sessions and health checks to address pressing issues such as gender-based violence, HIV, and STIs.
Through these concerted efforts, CCHS reaffirmed its commitment to women’s health and empowerment, demonstrating that inclusivity and access to healthcare are fundamental pillars of progress. As the world celebrates IWD, PNG takes a significant stride towards a future where every woman receives the care and support, she deserves.
Important Numbers
not hesitate to contact these
emergency numbers.
COVID –19 Hotline: 1800 200
Domestic Violence: 715 8000
Reporting on Rape: 321 1714 /320 3728
Family and Sexual Violence Unit:
3211397 or 3211714
Human Trafficking: 7100 7777
1Tok Kaunseling : 7158000
2024 Quater 2 Important Dates
| April | May | June |
|---|---|---|
| 2nd World Autism Day | 3rd World Asthma Day World Freedom of Press Day |
4th World Environment Day |
| 7th World Health Day | 8th Mother’s Day | 12th Kings Birthday |
| 21st International Day for Elimination of Racial Discrimination | 21st International Day for Elimination of Racial Discrimination | 19th Father’s Day |
| 25th World Malaria Day | 31st World No Tobacco Day |
