DIOCESE OF DARU/KIUNGA

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HEALTH PROFILE

A Mission of Healing and Compassion

The Catholic Church has long been a beacon of hope, compassion, and healing in communities around the world. In the Diocese of Daru-Kiunga, the Catholic Church Health Services (CCHS) exemplifies this enduring commitment, playing a pivotal role in delivering essential healthcare services to some of the most underserved populations in Papua New Guinea..

The Diocese of Daru-Kiunga

Daru Kiunga Diocese established in 1966 is the catholic headquarters in Western Province. All Catholic services are governed by the Bishop. Catholic Church Health Services is managed by a Health Manager who carries out all national health policies and plans under the guidance of the diocese health board. This profile shows a map with CCHS facilities situated in the province and the type of facilities with catchment population figures, it shows facilities registered and pending registration, number of staff and designations. The diocese health infrastructure gives an insight to what resources the facilities has and supports health in that district. The second part of the profile shows CCHS health data on outpatient, antenatal, measles, facility births, outreach and pneumonia. The data provides insight into how CCHS is performing with as per its reporting through each of its facilities.

Diocesan Health Services

The Diocesan Health Services encompass a range of public health services managed by the Diocesan Health Manager. Currently, the catchment population served is approximately 53,241, highlighting the extensive reach and impact of these services throughout the three districts.

Corporate Services

The corporate services function as the backbone of health administration, comprising several key divisions:

  1. Management
  2. Human Resource and Administration
  3. Finance
  4. Property Management and Health Programs

These divisions work collaboratively to ensure efficient health service delivery, maintaining high standards of care and operational effectiveness.

Public Health Services

Public Health Services within the Archdiocese consist of a network of about seventeen (17) health facilities, ranging from aid posts to health centers, classified as levels 1 to 3 according to National Health Service Standards. These facilities are strategically located in rural and remote areas to provide essential primary health care services, addressing the health needs of the communities they serve.

The Diocese of Daru-Kiunga is dedicated to improving health outcomes, fostering community well-being, and responding effectively to the unique challenges faced by its diverse population.

Sr. Phelomene Sanduku - Health Manager
Health Manager with Admin Staff of Daru-Kiunga Diocese

Facilities

Western Province is home to 1 Urban Clinic, 4 Health Centers, 3 Health Sub Centers, 7 Aid Posts and 1 VCCT that are key players in providing vital healthcare services to the local community. These facilities, while facing some challenges, also have numerous strengths and opportunities for growth that are worth highlighting.

Infrastructure

Accessibility and Road Connectivity

Many health facilities remain difficult to reach due to limited road infrastructure and the absence of vehicles or ambulances. River transport and foot travel are still the primary means for patients and staff to access services, especially in remote areas. This presents delays in emergency care and logistical challenges for outreach. However, the use of boats in some areas has proven effective, and with targeted investment in small-scale, context-appropriate transport solutions—like dinghies, or 4WDs—access can be significantly improved. Communities are already adapting creatively, and with support, health outreach can become faster and more consistent.

Communications

Unreliable or absent communication systems make coordination, emergency alerts, and health reporting difficult in many facilities. Some sites still operate without any mobile coverage or functioning radios. Despite this, mobile networks such as Digicel have already reached a good number of rural clinics, and VHF radio systems continue to serve as a backup in others. There is clear momentum: mobile network expansion, coupled with solar-powered devices and community-based communication tools, is making it increasingly feasible to connect even the most isolated health posts. Bridging this gap fully will unlock faster referrals and more efficient services.

Vaccine Storage Systems

Cold chain systems—essential for safe vaccine storage—are lacking or under-equipped in many facilities, limiting the reach and reliability of immunization programs. Still, where systems are in place, they are functioning well, including solar-powered fridges and cold boxes. These successes demonstrate what’s possible even in remote, off-grid settings. Expanding cold chain infrastructure using renewable energy and efficient transport options is well within reach, and with continued support, we can ensure vaccines remain safe and effective from delivery to administration.

Sanitation and Water Supply

Poor sanitation and limited access to clean water remain widespread. Most facilities rely on open pit toilets, with very few having septic systems, handwashing stations, or piped water. These conditions increase health risks for patients and staff alike. However, the presence of rainwater catchment systems in many clinics offers a solid foundation to build upon. Even low-cost improvements—like adding handwashing basins, upgrading latrines, and installing gravity-fed water tanks—can dramatically boost hygiene and safety. WASH programs are gaining traction, and there is growing recognition that these upgrades are not luxuries, but essentials.

Power Supply

A consistent power supply is still a major challenge. Many facilities rely on unreliable or underperforming solar systems, and few have access to generators or grid electricity. This limits everything from lighting to refrigeration and the use of medical equipment. Yet, progress is visible—solar power is already in use in many locations, and as battery storage and panel efficiency improve, the opportunity for fully off-grid, renewable-powered health posts becomes increasingly realistic. By scaling up solar solutions and supporting maintenance, even remote clinics can become resilient, energy-secure service points.

Health Services Provided

  • Outpatient
  • Community Based Programs
  • Outreach / Mobile Services
  • Medical Services
  • Well Baby Clinic
  • TB Clinic
  • HIV Clinic
  • Malaria Prevention Programs
  • HIV Prevention Programs
  • Nutrition Programs
  • School Health
  • Daycare
  • Supervision Programs
  • Child Health
  • Midwifery Services
  • Family Planning - Natural
  • Disease Control
  • Health Promotion and Prevention
  • Clinical Support Services - Rural
  • Other Services
Well Baby Clinic
Medical Services
Midwifery
Outpatient
HIV Clinic

Senior Staff

Sr. Phelomene Sanduku

Health Manager - Daru-Kiunga Diocese

Facility Map

Catchment for Health Centers

Facility Name Type Catchment Pop.
BamioAid PostN/A
BiangabipAid PostN/A
Bolivip Aid PostN/A
BossetHealth Center5,100
GolgubipHealth Center414
IowaraHealth Center8,394
KatawimAid PostN/A
Kiunga McmUrban Clinic20,984
Komokpin Aid PostN/A
Kuem Aid PostN/A
KungimHealth Sub Center2,183
MatkomnaiHealth Center9,973
MembokHealth Sub Center2,131
TarakbitsHealth Sub Center4,062
Yenkenai Aid PostN/A
MipanAid PostN/A
Good SamaritanVCCTN/A

Contact

Phone: +675 7101 6646
Email: mdiocesanhealth@gmail.com
Daru/Kiunga Diocese
MON-FRI 08:00 - 16:00
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© 2024 Catholic Church Health Services | cchsict@catholichealthpng.org

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