Authority to manage sexual health plan

 By ZACHERY PER  

THE Eastern Highlands Provincial Health Authority has taken over the management of PNG-Australia Sexual Health Improvement Programme previously run by Save the Children (PNG) in the province.

Representatives of Save the Children (PNG) officially handed over the programme, including vehicles to the Provincial Health Authority (PHA) last week. 

Acting chief executive officer of the Eastern Highlands PHA Joshua Soso expressed regret that Save the Children was closing the important programme. 

He challenged his managers to ensure that the provision of sexual health services was maintained in the existing facilities. 

He said there are many constraints faced in the health sector and some intervention programmes and projects introduced by development partners have not been sustained by the public sector due to lack of capacity and funding. 

Soso signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to cease the programme and took custody of two vehicles on behalf of the authority.

While thanking staff of Save the Children, Soso said assets like vehicles constituted a major part of any operation and would be taken care of and used for the intended purpose. 

The five-year Sexual Health Improvement Programme started in 2008 and was focused on improving capacity and services at various STI clinics in the province, including Asaro in the Daulo district, Sigere in Unggai Bena, White House in Kainantu and Lopi Clinic in Goroka.