Foundation gives K102,000 to help women and girls

A sum of US$30,000 (about K102,000) has been given by QBE Foundation to the PNG Family Health Association to boost its programmes for women and girls affected by earthquakes in Hela and Southern Highlands.
During presentation, QBE general manager Mathew Kearns said women and girls needs were often overlooked during disasters because everyone was desperate for help.
Kearns said areas to look into in the programme included family planning, gender-based violence, maternal and newborn care and sexually-transmitted diseases, including HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment.
“We hope that can save a life and sustain women and girls,” he said.
According to PNG Family Health Association executive director Michael Salini, the goal of the programme was to decrease mortality, morbidity and disability in crisis-affected populations.
“Two provincial hospitals in Tari and Mendi have been impacted by the earthquake. The rural health facilities have been damaged, disrupting water and power supply and insufficient supply of emergency medical supplies,” Salini said.
“Many health workers have experienced physiological trauma, and damage and destruction done to their homes and gardens. Through this programme’s social care services we’ll help this workers.”
“The programme’s minimum initial service package (MISP) for reproductive health will look into filling that gap, the public health is handicapped in providing this at the current time. Focus will also be on water and sanitation activities and disease surveillance efforts.”
Salini said to date 100 per cent medical kits and 13 cartons of reproductive health kits were distributed to Mendi and Tari hospitals and most-impacted health facilities.
In delivering MISP services, PNGFHA will work with the Ministry of Health, provincial health authorities, UNFPA and other implementing agents such as the Family Care Centre.