Quarterly Newsletter, April – June 2023
Issue 16
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
Inside this Issue
Lae CCHS Receives PSEAH Policies Induction
St Mary’s Hospital Launches New X-Ray Machine
Celebrating World Immunization Week in Western
Raihu Hospital Celebrates New Ambulance Arrival
Successful Integrated Health Program on Caterets Island
Finance Refresher Training a Success
Bereina CCHS Holds Long-Awaited Staff Retreat
TOT Master Class Mentor Training Equips Participants for HIV and STI Management
Bougainville CCHS Signs Partnership Agreement
In a significant move towards strengthening the delivery of effective and accountable health services in Bougainville, the Diocese of Bougainville Catholic Church Health Services (CCHS) has signed a Provincial Health Service Level Partnership Agreement with the Autonomous Bougainville Government’s (ABG) Department of Health. The agreement was signed on June 22, 2023, at Hutjena in Bougainville.
The partnership agreement aims to foster close collaboration and facilitate ongoing cooperation between the Bougainville DOH, Provincial CCHS, and National CCHS in Port Moresby. It seeks to consolidate efforts in achieving the government’s development goals while recognizing the stewardship role of the National Department of Health (NDoH) in leading and coordinating partnerships with health service stakeholders in Papua New Guinea.
The agreement outlines shared principles that will guide the partnership, including compliance with relevant national standards and the government’s policies on free primary healthcare and subsidized specialist health services. The agreement also emphasizes the need to increase access to health services for underserviced, underprivileged, and marginalized communities, with programs tailored to local priorities and developed in consultation with government and civil society.
Ms. Michaeline Pau, the Health Manageress for CCHS of Bougainville, expressed her gratitude to the people and organizations involved in making the agreement a reality. She specifically thanked Acting Health Secretary Dr. Ruline Pokote, Deputy Secretary Cooperate Health Services Mr. Matthew Monei, Vicar General for Bougainville Diocese Polycarp Kaviak, Administrator Ms. Beverly Gulaseni, and the Education and Health Ministry of ABG. Pau also acknowledged Sammy Bogen, representing Papua New Guinea Australia Transition to Health, for their consistent support throughout the process.
“In the beginning, we faced alot of challenges to get the SLA signed, with the correspondence starting in 2021 and after two and a half years, we finally have it signed, which is a big achievement for CCHS of Bougainville and I am greatly relieved,” Pau said.
She highlighted that the implementation of the Sexual Reproductive Health Integration Project by CCHS has provided them with the opportunity to be involved in discussions with BDoH, where they were able to provide valuable expertise on primary and public healthcare services. This collaborative approach assisted in the signing process.
“Now that it’s signed, it’s making it easier for us to work much better together in terms of planning and implementing health service delivery,” Ms. Pau said, expressing her optimism about the future.
The partnership agreement marks a milestone in the collaboration between the Bougainville CCHS and the BDoH. With this agreement in place, both entities are ready to enhance the coordination and utilization of resources at the local level, ensuring the delivery of quality healthcare services to the people of Bougainville.
NATIONAL SECRETARY’S MESSAGE
Greetings and welcome everyone to this 16th Issue of The CCHS Pulse. I would first and foremost want to congratulate Br Francis Meli on the reappointment as Deputy Bishop for Health. We look forward to your continuous guidance and support in what we do in CCHS, your contributions are appreciated and most welcomed.
I would like to stress the importance of our 10 years strategic health plan (2021-2030) as this year is our 2nd year of implementation after the launching in 2022. We look forward to your annual implementation plans to identify priority areas and a way forward for all of us. I am happy to say we have a Health Managers and OIC meeting coming up in August where this will give us all a chance to strategically identify areas of focus for our respective dioceses as each has their own unique challenges and advantages.
I would like to introduce Dr. Athanasius Kari to the new position of Director of Rural Clinical Development. We are pleased to have such an experienced person who can contribute meaningfully to our services at the national and regional levels. Dr. Atha previously worked with us at Aitape Raihu Hospital while completing a master’s in rural health.
In the 2nd quarter of 2023, we as individuals also have achieved many things and as an organization are continuing to grow and make our mark in the Health sector of Papua New Guinea. Our organization’s motto “Care & Compassion” should be a beacon of hope for everyone who comes to our facilities for service. They must not leave feeling worse than they first came but healed or relieved that there is hope for them to see another day.
I congratulate those staff who have attended trainings or workshops to share the knowledge they gain with their colleagues and family. Remember, the more you teach, the more you will understand, and it will become a part of you. Sharing of knowledge is important in healthcare as it will help us have more meaningful discussions that will enable us to learn more and improve our work performances and reduce negative impacts.
We also have four regional meetings coming up in the next two quarters and I urge those who are organizing to share your plans with NCCHS so we can work together to make it a successful and learning meeting for each respective region. Let us use these events as an opportunity to have meaningful discussions and conversations on how we can learn from each other’s experiences and go back enlightened with new ideas to improve our work.
May God bless you all.
Sr Jadwiga Faliszek, CCHS National Secretary
Projects Update
CCHS has witnessed a notable expansion of its investment portfolio in recent months, with a dual focus on program expansion and steady progress. The initial partnership with Caritas Australia, established earlier this year, has now evolved into a collaborative endeavor aimed at improving health infrastructure. Throughout the remainder of 2023, the project will concentrate on select provinces and gradually extend its reach to encompass additional provinces in subsequent years. The assessment phase involved visits to and evaluations of the following provinces: West Sepik, East Sepik, Simbu, Enga, New Ireland, and Milne Bay.
In addition to the collaboration with Caritas, CCHS has successfully negotiated an additional year for the “Taking Nutrition Services to Scale” project. This initiative involves partnerships with NDoH, PHAs, and UNICEF. During the initial year, TNSS was implemented in ten provinces, employing a hybrid management model that combined the efforts of CCHS and PHA. In the second year, two more provinces were included, bringing the total number of provinces to twelve. The provinces incorporated in the second year are as follows: Madang (CCHS), Morobe (PHA), Eastern Highlands (PHA), Western Highlands (PHA), Southern Highlands (PHA), Hela (CCHS), Enga (PHA), East New Britain (CCHS), Simbu (CCHS), Western (CCHS), National Capital District (PHA), and Autonomous Region of Bougainville (ARoB Department of Health).
Meanwhile, the “Sexual Reproductive Health Integration” project continues to facilitate capacity building in both clinical and administrative domains. A finance training session was conducted in May, followed by facility managers training and a Master Mentor training program. Integrated outreach activities are supported by this project, while the provision of care and treatment to HIV patients remains a concurrent aspect of its activities. Noteworthy progress has been made in addressing the needs of key population groups, particularly youth and adolescents, through health worker sensitization trainings and program follow-up reviews.
Lae CCHS Recieves PSEAH Policies Induction
By: Samantha Tirang, CCHS Lae Diocese
On Friday, May 19, 2023, the Catholic Church Health Services (CCHS) of Lae Diocese organized a Child Protection and Protection from Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment (PSEAH) Policies Induction Training. The training was held during the Quarter 2 Officer In Charge (OIC) Meeting and aimed to educate new and existing staff members about the CCHS policies.
The training took place at the Center of Mercy Urban Clinic in Kamkumung and saw the participation of 32 staff members. New staff members were acquainted with the CCHS vision, mission, and core values, as well as the organizational chart at both the national and diocesan levels. Additionally, all staff members had the opportunity to understand the importance and purpose of the Child Protection (CP) and PSEAH policies.
During the training, incident forms such as the Child Incident Reporting Form and the PSEAH Incident Reporting Form were introduced to the staff. Discussions revolved around potential CP cases and how to effectively manage them. Nursing officer Mary Narowen, OIC for HIV at the Center of Mercy, expressed that they had been referring clients who had experienced violence to external organizations without reporting the cases for data collection. With the introduction of incident forms, they now plan to report such cases before making referrals.
Samantha, the Diocesan Health Service Integration Officer (DHSIO), encouraged staff members to leverage existing referral pathways and partnerships to strengthen their systems. She emphasized that CCHS works in collaboration with other partners and that having policies like the CP and PSEAH policies demonstrates compliance with donor requirements, which in turn supports the successful delivery of programs.
As a bonus to the session, the staff members were introduced to the CCHS Consent Form (Permission to Use Pictures). This form ensures patient consent is obtained before sharing patient stories online, particularly on social media platforms or related matters.
New staff members signed the Child Protection Code of Conduct while existing staff members renewed their commitment to the code. The induction training was deemed highly successful for the CCHS Lae team. The unpacking of the CCHS Strategic Plan is scheduled for the next quarterly meeting, which will once again involve the OICs and all staff members.
St Mary’s Hospital Launches New X-ray Machine
St Mary’s Vunapope Hospital, a crucial healthcare provider for East New Britain Province and the nation, has overcome a significant hurdle as it unveils its latest addition – a state-of-the-art digital X-ray machine. The transformative impact of this new equipment, made possible through funding from Caritas Australia and the National Catholic Church Health Services Office, promises to enhance patient care and transform healthcare delivery in the region.
On May 30th, a momentous event unfolded as the hospital celebrated the official launch and commissioning of the new digital X-ray machine. The entire community, including hospital management, staff, patients, and guardians, expressed their profound gratitude for this generous donation. The arrival of the machine at Rabaul Wharf on May 11th, swiftly followed by its transportation to the hospital on May 13th, marked the beginning of a new era for St Mary’s Vunapope Hospital.
To ensure a seamless installation process, a team of skilled professionals from Meddent Biomed Engineers arrived in Kokopo on May 22nd. With their expertise, the installation was successfully completed on May 26th, followed by comprehensive training for the hospital’s radiologists and laboratory technicians. Since the machine’s full operation on June 5th, over 75 patients have already benefited from X-ray services, with demand steadily increasing.
The impact of the new digital X-ray machine on healthcare services at St Mary’s Vunapope Hospital has been nothing short of remarkable. Mr. Albert Seri, the hospital administrator, expressed his sincere appreciation and gratitude, acknowledging Caritas Australia’s funding and NCCHS for their invaluable support and foresight.
“With the addition of this advanced medical equipment, the hospital’s diagnostic capabilities have been significantly elevated as accurate
diagnoses are now possible, enabling timely and effective treatments”, Seri stated in a letter of acknowledgment to the NCCHS office.
“The machine not only fills a critical gap in the hospital’s capabilities but also instills hope and confidence in the community. Patients and their families can now receive comprehensive care locally, reducing the need for costly and time-consuming referrals to distant healthcare facilities.” Seri added.
As the new digital X-ray machine continues to operate and save the lives of patients in ENB, St Mary’s Vunapope Hospital remains committed to providing comprehensive and accessible healthcare services. The hospital’s achievement showcases the remarkable impact that strategic
investments in medical technology can have on transforming healthcare delivery in resource-limited areas.
Celebrating World Immunization Week in Western
By Karl Buai, CCHS Daru Kiunga Diocese
Once again, the Catholic Church Health Services (CCHS) of the Diocese of Daru-Kiunga in Western Province gathered to commemorate World Immunization Week, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of vaccines and protecting children from preventable diseases. This year’s event was made possible through the support of the Western Provincial Health Authority, World Vision’s AIHSS Program, and other partners and stakeholders.
CCHS of DKD organized various activities within their facilities and surrounding communities to mark this special week. Among the facilities that actively participated were the Iowara Health sub-center, MCM Urban Clinic, Matkomnai Health sub-center, Membok Health sub-center, Kungim Health sub-center, and Tarakbits Health Sub Centre.
With generous assistance from the AIHSS Program, these facilities were able to conduct awareness campaigns on the importance of vaccination, explain the significance of World Immunization Week, and even stage role plays and dramas to engage the communities. Vaccinations were administered to babies and children, ensuring they received the necessary protection against preventable diseases.
At the Iowara Health sub-center, where a functioning vaccine fridge was not yet available, Mr. Ronald, the officer in charge of the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI), raised awareness about the benefits
of vaccinating children under five years old. Following the awareness session, refreshments were shared with mothers, children, and other patients.
MCM Urban Clinic joined forces with district staff, Kiunga Hospital staff, and other facilities in the area to launch the event. The clinic conducted vaccinations and awareness campaigns on immunization’s importance for static and outpatient cases. After the activities, the staff shared the donated items provided by World Vision through the AIHSS Program.
On the 18th of May, Sr. Agnes and her staff at Matkomnai Health sub-center seized the opportunity during their Maternal and Child Health (MCH) clinic day to educate mothers about the significance of immunization. Additionally, they conducted a School Health clinic at Matkomnai Primary School to reach even more children.
The team at Kungim Health sub-center, led by Officer Donatus and assisted by Village Health Volunteers (VHVs), organized an awareness and vaccination session on the 11th of May. The event attracted numerous mothers and children from the surrounding villages. VHVs set up a banner to commemorate the day and helped deliver other health education messages. Refreshments were shared with the community afterward.
Sr. Rose and Nurse Maryanne from Tarakbits Health sub-center and the local community commemorated the entire first week of May at the facility. On the 9th of May, during Well Baby Clinic, they conducted an awareness session that drew mothers and children from faraway villages. The celebrations were followed by refreshments shared among all participants.
Membok Health Sub Centre’s staff traveled to Kukuzaba, one of their catchment villages, to raise awareness and provide vaccinations on the 26th of April. The Village Health Volunteers were instrumental in organizing the event and assisting with the Well Baby Clinic. As in all other facilities, everyone received their fair share of the donated items.
While the event was largely successful, there were challenges in delivering the items to all the facilities before World Immunization Week. Three facilities could not receive their items in time and planned to celebrate later once they received the necessary supplies.
Supervision and monitoring of the program were carried out by the Catholic Church Health Services Daru-Kiunga Diocese, ensuring that the activities were properly implemented in each facility. Facility managers provided reports on the use of donated resources, along with a brief overview of the day’s celebrations, supported by photographs shared via WhatsApp.
Looking ahead, the Catholic Church Health Services emphasized the need for continued technical support from partners and stakeholders and the early submission of funding requests. These measures would aid in the ongoing commemoration of World Immunization Week and contribute to eradicating vaccine-preventable diseases within the communities they serve.
Raihu Hospital Celebrates New Ambulance Arrival
The staff at the Raihu District Hospital (DH) in Aitape, Sandaun Province, were filled with joy and relief as a brand new ambulance arrived on May 4th, providing much-needed support to the healthcare facility. For the past four years, the hospital has been grappling with inadequate delivery of health services, particularly in the area of ambulance services, including patient transfers, referral cases, and transportation of the deceased from the morgue to their homes.
Recognizing the urgent need for an ambulance, the Raihu Hospital Management team, led by Fr. Patrick Iwu, made a heartfelt appeal to the National Catholic Church Health Services (NCCHS) in Port Moresby. In a commendable display of prompt action, the NCCHS, under the
guidance of National Health Secretary Sr. Jadwiga Faliszek, generously purchased a new ambulance for the CCHS Hospital.
The bishop of Aitape Diocese, Bp. Siby Mathew, Diocese of Aitape CCHS, Raihu District Hospital Staff, the Raihu Hospital Management team, and the entire community of Aitape-Lumi and Nuku Districts expressed their profound gratitude to NCCHS and Sr. Jadwiga for their generous donation of the new ambulance. They emphasized their commitment to maintaining a strong partnership with the NCCHS and ensuring effective service delivery to patients in the Aitape Diocese, with patient care remaining the highest priority.
The ambulance was officially blessed by Fr George and Fr Patrick Iwu as a welcome ceremony was witnessed by CCHS staff and the local community members.
Raihu Hospital serves a catchment population of over 12,900 people, while the Diocese of Aitape CCHS provides healthcare services to a broader community of more than 126,000 men, women, and children across its 12 active facilities. The hospital caters to the healthcare needs of residents in Aitape, Lumi, Nuku, Telefomin, and Vanimo.
In 2022, Raihu Hospital recorded over 900 outpatient cases, more than 120 deliveries with complications, and over 600 patients transferred out. The presence of the ambulance is expected to significantly reduce these figures, ensuring timely and efficient healthcare services.
While the new ambulance is a vital addition, Raihu Hospital still faces challenges in terms of infrastructure maintenance and the acquisition of new medical equipment to further enhance its service delivery capabilities. One significant obstacle is the long distance of over 200 kilometers between Raihu and the Boram General Hospital in Wewak. However, the acquisition of the new ambulance will greatly facilitate emergency referrals and improve access to critical healthcare services for patients in need.
As the Raihu District Hospital welcomes this much-needed addition to its fleet, the community remains hopeful that further support and investment will follow to address the infrastructure and equipment requirements of the hospital. With the dedication of healthcare professionals and the continued collaboration between Raihu Hospital and NCCHS, the vision of providing quality healthcare services to the people of the Aitape Diocese can be realized, ensuring the well-being of the community for years to come.
Successful Integrated Health Program on Caterets
In a commendable effort to improve healthcare services, a dedicated team of health workers embarked on a five-day Integrated Health Service Program Delivery on Caterets Island in the Atolls district of Northern Region, Bougainville. Led by the Health Manager for Catholic Church Health Services of Bougainville, the team comprised five Community Health Workers, two TB/HIV Orientated CHWs, and a Rural Laboratory Assistant.
During their visit in June, the team successfully conducted a Well Baby Clinic and carried out TB/HIV testing. The outcome of their efforts was remarkable, as they identified two positive cases out of 95 suspects screened. Moreover, an impressive 80% of the population on the island received HIV counseling and testing, highlighting the team’s commitment to spreading awareness and ensuring the well-being of the community.
Additionally, the team also focused on immunization during the SIA (Supplementary Immunization Activities) service, resulting in 50% of children aged 0-5 years receiving the necessary immunizations. These efforts have undoubtedly contributed to safeguarding the health of the young population and protecting them from preventable diseases.
The Integrated Health Service Program Delivery has proven to be a vital initiative in extending essential healthcare services to remote areas, ensuring better health outcomes for the community.
Finance Refresher Training a Success
The National Catholic Church Health Services (NCCHS) recently organized a Finance Refresher Training for finance officers from the 19 dioceses of Papua New Guinea (PNG) at the Mahuru Seaview Hotel in Port Moresby. Held from the 13th to the 15th of June 2023, the training aimed to enhance financial management skills and promote effective utilization of funds within the Catholic Church Health Services (CCHS).
Supported by the Sexual Reproductive Health Integration Project, the training saw the participation of 23 finance officers representing the 19 dioceses in the country. The comprehensive program covered topics such as the Chart of Accounts of CCHS, Key Result Areas & Cost Allocation, CCHS Finance Manual – Policies & Procedures, Path Compliance & Government of PNG Funds Budget Preparations, among others.
On the final day of the training, Sr Jadwiga Faliszek, National Secretary for CCHS, commended the participants for their commitment and dedication. Each attendee received a certificate of training, and Sr Jadwiga expressed her expectations for improvement from the participants.
“I expect improvements for each one of you, especially those who have attended the other Finance training that we have facilitated over the years,” Sr Jadwiga said.
Addressing the recently joined finance officer, Sr Jadwiga extended a warm welcome adding “I welcome you all and I urge each of you to reach out to our Finance officer in the National Office if you need any assistance or clarifications.”
Emphasizing the significance of financial accountability, the National Secretary urged the finance officers to closely monitor the CCHS accounts in their respective dioceses, particularly in relation to operational grants. She advised the officers to guide their Health Managers in allocating funds based on activity plans for the year, including outreaches and awareness programs. Stressing the importance of utilizing the allocated funds appropriately, Sr Jadwiga reminded them that government grants should be actively utilized rather than accumulating in accounts.
Furthermore, Sr Jadwiga encouraged the finance officers to voice concerns and highlight areas that require attention, as it would contribute to improving services for those in need.
The recently revised and approved CCHS Finance Manual, ratified in March 2023, was thoroughly reviewed during the training. This provided an opportunity for participants to suggest revisions and refinements before the official copies are printed and distributed to all the dioceses. The training received positive feedback from participants, with Sr Nomita Rozario, the Health Manager for Alotau Diocese, expressing her gratitude and satisfaction. She stated, “Thank you for the opportunity as there are some things that I now finally get. I was struggling a bit, but now I understand, and I thank the team for facilitating this training.”
In a gesture of appreciation for outstanding performance, Sr Jadwiga presented two new computers to the most improved CCHS units in two dioceses: Daru-Kiunga and Kerema. This act aimed to acknowledge their dedication and commitment to improved financial management within their respective regions.
The successful conclusion of the Finance Refresher Training signifies a step forward in strengthening financial practices within the CCHS network. The improved skills and knowledge acquired by the finance officers are expected to enhance the overall financial management and effectiveness of the CCHS in serving their respective communities.
Bereina CCHS Holds Long-Awaited Staff Retreat
The Catholic Church Health Services (CCHS) of Bereina Diocese recently concluded a two-day staff retreat at the serene Nazareth House of Prayer. This retreat marked a significant milestone for the staff, as it was their first in 16 years, with the previous retreat held in 2007.
Over 30 participants from the administration office, health centers, and support staff, eagerly participated in the retreat. However, due to logistical constraints, the staff of facilities situated in the distant Goilala area were unable to attend on short notice. Responding to this issue, Health Manager Sr Gisela Sele arranged for a separate retreat for the staff who missed out.
The Nazareth House of Prayer provided an ideal setting for the retreat, perched on a ridge overlooking the Laloki River and the bustling city of Port Moresby. Its seclusion from the bustling city life offered a serene and calm environment for reflection.
During the retreat, Sr. Gisela acknowledged Sr. Jadwiga Faliszek the National Health Secretary for CCHS of PNG, and the remarkable support she provided to the staff. She said, “Sr. Jadwiga continues to support Bereina Diocese in many different ways. We have a lot of issues with our CCHS, and Sr. Jadwiga never said no. We are really lucky to have her in this office.”
Sr. Gisela also expressed her appreciation for her dedicated team at Amater, highlighting their invaluable support and contributions. She remarked, “I cannot do everything on my own without the help of this amazing team. They are the ones running everywhere to ensure everything is done properly.”
Sr. Jadwiga, who was delighted to meet the nurses, delivered an emotional message after the Holy Eucharist celebration. She reflected on the healing ministry and the impact it had on the lives of countless individuals. Sr. Jadwiga said, “I am so honored to witness you freely renewing your promise that you, for the rest of your life, will fight for every life. I hope that in the last two days, you have had a very deep connection with Jesus, with yourself, and with everything that you experienced.” Expressing her gratitude to the nurses working in remote areas, Sr. Jadwiga stated, “We at the National Office always pray for you who are on the ground. We think of you wherever you are because we know that you represent us there, and we represent you at the national level.”
Margaret Keukeu, a Community Health Worker from Veifa Health Center, expressed her gratitude on behalf of the staff present by acknowledging Fr. Bernard MSC for his inspiring sermon and teachings, despite his disability and health condition. She remarked, “By God’s grace, you have enriched and nourished us in our journey to be His witnesses everywhere and anywhere.”
Fr. Bernard concluded the retreat’s closing liturgy with an encouragement to the staff to continue their vocation as health workers. He commended their dedication and assured them of divine strength and blessings. Fr. Bernard also thanked CCHS for their services and reminded everyone that even in times of sickness, the nurses would always be there to help.
“I am a person with a disability due to the loss of my leg, but I want you to know that it hasn’t diminished my faith. I want to inspire you by saying that while illness or disability may try to bring you down, there are always people and healthcare professionals who will be there to lift you up, so never give up the good that you are doing.”
As the retreat came to an end, the staff left with renewed spirits, grateful for the opportunity to reconnect with their faith and serve their communities with a deeper sense of purpose.
Mentor Training Equips Participants for HIV and STI Management
A Trainer of Trainer Master Mentor class training took place as a joint effort by the Australasian Society for HIV, Viral Hepatitis and Sexual Health Medicine, PNG Sexual Health, and Catholic Church Health Services, aiming to enhance the skills of master mentors in effectively managing HIV and STIs. The four-day training session, held from 27th to 30th June 2023, provided valuable insights to 15 participants from 10 Sexual Reproductive Health Integration Project sites and East New Britain Province. Led by experienced facilitators, including Dr. John Millan from the PNG Sexual Health Association, Dr. Arun Menon, and Cherie Bennette from ASHM Health, and support from Rose Suruka of CCHS, the training fostered active engagement between participants and facilitators. It encouraged participants to reflect on their experiences at health facilities and equipped them with the necessary knowledge and skills to become effective trainers.
Throughout the training, participants identified several challenges hindering effective HIV and STI management, including staff turnover, limited human resources, inadequate technological proficiency, equipment and testing kit shortages, financial constraints, and poor communication between staff and superiors. To address these issues, participants emphasized the importance of clear communication, sharing information, and suggested utilizing platforms like WhatsApp for continued learning and support.
The participants also recommended increased collaboration between Health Managers and Master Mentors, and the presence of CCHS representatives during future training sessions to provide technical support.
Feedback from both participants and facilitators indicated that the training was highly beneficial, highlighting the identification of skill gaps and the importance of continuous support from health managers. The suggestions put forth during the training should be taken into careful consideration to further improve future sessions. Overall, the TOT Master Class Mentor Training successfully concluded with a sense of teamwork and a commitment to ongoing professional development among the participant.
CHILL OUT CORNER
Quarterly Newsletter April – June 2023
Deputy Chairman for East Sepik Provincial Health Authority Max Manimbi, Bishop Józef Roszyński of Wewak Diocese and ESP PHA Director Curative Health Dr Jimmy Kambo at the ground breaking ceremony for the new Wirui Clinic Building.
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