Mt Hagen Archdiocese & Jiwaka Deanery:  

The Metropolitan Archdiocese of Mount Hagen, established on June 18, 1959, and elevated to Archdiocese in 1982, serves as the Catholic headquarters in the Western Highlands Province. Most Rev. Douglas William Young SVD, DD Ph.D., governs all Catholic services. The CCHS is overseen by Health Manager Fr Peter Ripa, who implements national health policies and plans under the guidance of the diocese health board. Jiwaka falls under the jurisdiction of the Archdiocese of Mount Hagen CCHS and these two provinces operate 15 health facilities with integrated HIV/ AIDS and VCT services. Alongside two urban clinics, there are nine health sub-centers, three aid posts, and one community health post. Additionally, two satellite sites (Kiripia & Fatima) and two major ART clinics (Rebiamul & Banz) are part of the network. The CCHS Archdiocese of Mount Hagen employs a total of 70 staff members, covering administration, eye clinicians, midwives, health management, nursing officers, laboratory technicians, ancillary staff, and CHWs. Both the CCHS WHP and Jiwaka are committed to enhancing the quality of their human resources to play a pivotal role in the health facility’s growth and improve healthcare service delivery. Except for vaccinations, not provided at the Ruti and Kumdi aid posts, nearly all healthcare services are available at all facilities. However, restricted road access poses a significant challenge for underprivileged facilities like Rulna, Ruti, and Ambulla. Adequate medical equipment is also essential for health facilities to deliver effective and efficient healthcare services. Despite daily obstacles and limitations, the CCHS staff remains devoted to the organization’s mission, vision, values, and their oath to save human lives. The facilities continue to provide daily services to the people, thanks to donations from partners such as PHA, local MPs, governors, and projects like SRHIP.  

Mendi Diocese:  

Established on November 13, 1958, and elevated to a diocese in 1966, Mendi Diocese serves as the Catholic headquarters in Southern Highlands Province, covering Hela Province as a deanery. The Most Rev. Bishop Donald Francis Lippert OFM Cap, DD, governs all Catholic services. Catholic Church Health Services is managed by Health Manager Winnie Williams who implements national health policies and plans under the diocese health board’s guidance. SHP boasts eleven health facilities and one standalone VCT in Ialibu/Pangia to address the increasing number of HIV patients. Approximately 40% of community health workers in all medical facilities received training on ART prescription, and 90% underwent basic HIV counseling training. A Master Mentor Team reports to the Health Manager and the Health Board, contributing to effective communication with the Parish. Training at the Diocesan and Provincial levels has been consolidated, thanks to donors like St. Vincent’s, Medoer Germany, Korean Mission Aid, and others who collaborate to supply medical resources. CCHS Mendi faces additional challenges in the health sector due to social determinants, resulting in frequent staff travel deferral, continuous employee turnover, and financial constraints on facility upgrades. The current staff-to-patient ratio is under scrutiny, posing stress on health facilities with fewer employees. Over the last five years, an increase in STI cases has raised concerns about funding for internal positions, medical facility upgrades, and supplies. Future considerations include staff rotation, training, and performance relative to the budget. As patient admissions rise, so do the costs, highlighting the importance of accurate diagnosis and treatment oversight. Despite these challenges, Mendi CCHS upholds Jesus’ compassionate spirit and the gospel’s inspiration, demonstrating unwavering commitment to the community’s well-being.  

Deanery of Hela:  

Overseen by Mendi Diocese, the Deanery of Hela operates five health facilities: Hungi, St. Francis VCCT, St. Conrad Pureni, Hiwanda, and St. Mary’s Kopiago VCCT. Notably, St. Francis VCT has served 1600 clients, compared to other facilities. Challenges such as poor communication and a shortage of staff persist, but collaboration with partners like Hela PHA, local representatives, Exxon Mobil, Red Cross, UNICEF, and Santos helps alleviate most challenges. Despite facing hurdles like delayed HIV testing strips and the need for a laboratory technician, Hela CCHS maintains strong connections with the Hela PHA package, Provincial Government, and district level for basic services, supplies, and medical drugs. The Deanery of Hela emphasizes the need for staff training as prescribers and increased advocacy for HIV/AIDS and other health issues during outreach and public awareness at the Highlands Regional Conference.  

Goroka Diocese

Goroka Diocese, established on June 18, 1959, and elevated to a Diocese in 1966, serves as the Catholic headquarters in the Eastern Highlands Province. Under the leadership of Bishop Walenty Gryk SVD, all Catholic health services are overseen by Acting Health Manager Alfred Koko, guided by the Diocese Health Board. Currently managing four health facilities, Goroka Diocese faces the early stages of management development since its separation from CCHS Chimbu. The facilities include Tafeto Health Centre, Yamiyufa Aid Post, St. Joseph’s VCT, and Pundibasa Aid Post, with a current staff of 12 clinicians and 2 administrators. However, there is a pressing need for additional CHWs, auxiliary staff, and clinicians. Goroka Diocese’s CCHS has fostered partnerships with various authorities and organizations, including EPHA, DDA, local MPs, AUSAID, Oxfam, UNICEF, Burnet Institute, PNGAustralia PATH, Igat Hope, KPAC, and RAM. These collaborations have resulted in financial support, donations, and aid for the province. Over the years, the health facilities in Goroka Diocese have achieved significant milestones. Notable successes include Tafeto Health Center being declared the best performer for immunization in Daulo District and Yamiufa Aid Post being recognized as the best Aid Post in Eastern Highlands Province. St. Joseph’s VCT has successfully integrated and serves over 500 active clients receiving ART treatment. Despite positive achievements, Goroka Diocese faces challenges common to health facilities in the country. These challenges include the need for staff housing, facility renovations, access to electricity, medical equipment shortages, vaccine storage concerns, and a shortage of medical drugs. Limited access to an ambulance and language barriers for CHWs during outreach programs are also significant challenges. Goroka Diocese aims to establish a CCHS Diocesan Board, sign a Service Level Agreement with PHA, and maintain and improve facilities such as Tafeto HC and Yamiufa AP. The goals also include building new staff housing, enhancing water supply, providing standby power, acquiring new ambulances, facility fencing, establishing a new laboratory, increasing staff numbers, offering upskilling opportunities, installing an incinerator, and expanding health services throughout the province. Though there is notable progress, challenges persist. With strategic partnerships and future goals, they aim to further enhance healthcare delivery and infrastructure in the Eastern Highlands Province.

Wabag Diocese:

Established in 1982, Wabag Diocese serves as the Catholic headquarters in Enga Province, overseeing all Catholic services under the leadership of Bishop Justin Ain Soongie. The Catholic Church Health Services (CCHS) within the diocese is under the capable management of Health Manager Josepha Recks. She diligently implements national health policies and plans, operating in accordance with the guidance provided by the diocese health board. CCHS Wabag encompasses a network of 7 health facilities, supported by a dedicated team of 66 staff members. Despite numerous challenges, including tribal conflicts and incidents of sorcery killings, the team has successfully collaborated with partner organizations to deliver relief and support to those in need. Looking ahead, the Wabag team eagerly anticipates the official signing of their Service Level Agreement with the Egan Provincial Health Authority. This collaborative effort aims to establish a strong partnership, enhancing their capacity to address health-related challenges and contribute to the well-being of the community.   

Kundiawa Diocese:

Established on June 8, 1982, and later elevated to diocese status in 1966, Kundiawa Diocese now serves as the Catholic headquarters in Simbu Province, with Bishop Paul Sundu overseeing all Catholic services. The Catholic Church Health Services (CCHS) in Simbu is directed by Health Manager Sr. Josita Savari, who implements national health policies guided by the diocese health board. CCHS Simbu comprises nine health facilities situated in rural and isolated areas across multiple districts, including a standalone Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT) center consisting of six health centers and three aid posts. These facilities, serving 90–100,000 people in 5 districts (excluding Chuave), account for approximately 25% of the province’s total population. Twenty-eight medical personnel from CCHS Simbu operate in these remote healthcare facilities, providing family health, labor and delivery, and both outpatient and inpatient care. Services include addressing malaria, HIV/AIDS/ TB, STDs, PPTCT, RLA (Goglme), school health, UNICEF, NdoH, and NCCHS. Several noteworthy accomplishments have been achieved over the years. Notably, a Service Level Agreement (SLA) with PHA Simbu was signed in December 2022, centralizing CCHS Simbu. The internal application process, screening, and selection procedures were reorganized and refined. Maintenance of staff houses at Kendene, Bogo, and Dirima Aid Post was completed, and a five-year strategic plan and the 2024 AAP were developed. Additionally, an old incinerator shelter was maintained, and through a partnership with District Development Authorities (DDA) and the provincial administrator, three new ambulances for Kendene, Mai, and Neragaima are on their way. CCHS Simbu has undertaken various projects and training initiatives, including the UNICEF/NdoH TNSS Project, PSRH Prof. Glen Mola’s ‘Baby Bundle Program,’ and support from Hope Worldwide for TB/HIV officer training. Infrastructure improvements and maintenance are urgently needed, encompassing healthcare facilities, staff housing, and exterior landscaping and fencing. Essential requirements include waste management, access to clean water, solar-powered electricity, and basic medical supplies such as sterilizers, suction machines, monitors, medical suture kits, and instruments for incision and drainage (I & D). Additionally, there is a need for labor ward beds, nursing beds, and baby cots. Addressing the next challenge involves raising funds for three additional ambulances for aid posts in Bogo, Denglagu, and Dirima. Despite lacking support from partners this year, CCHS Simbu plans to seek funding from DDA, PHA, the provincial administrator, and NCCHS for health programs and infrastructure upgrades. A recommendation is to have a representative at PHA management, prioritize staff training and development, and establish a fixed budget for future actions.

Mingende Rural Hospital Profile:

Mingende Rural Hospital, designated as a level 3 facility by the National Department of Health (NDoH), received its official status on November 30, 2001. Catering to a population of approximately 16,000, including neighboring provinces, Mingende Rural Hospital delivers both curative and public health services. With a staff of 50, including two doctors, two HEOs, 19 nursing officers, 22 certified nursing assistants, one X-ray technician, two lab technicians, and one dentist, the hospital plays a crucial role in healthcare delivery. Recent achievements include the completion of midwifery training for four officers and ongoing post-training for one HEO. The hospital serves as a practical training ground for MBBS students and THEOs, offering weekly continuing medical education (CME). Infrastructural upgrades include a new incinerator and a triage building, with renovations converting old units into a COVID-19 isolation ward. However, slow progress in infrastructure development and repairs persists due to limited funds from partners and donors. Notable successes in 2023 involve the completion of 116 procedures in the past five months, collaboration with SiPHA for safe C/Sections on two moms, and an integrated patrol team serving remote areas in Simbu Province. Despite these achievements, the hospital faces challenges such as the urgent procurement of medical equipment, consumables, and drugs. Additionally, there is a critical need for a human resource manager to address the demands of the human resources division. Mingende Rural Hospital seeks financial support from partners and donors to overcome its challenges. Without external aid, infrastructure development, vehicle repairs, and essential medical equipment procurement progress slowly. The hospital believes that upgrading to a level 4 facility could potentially