Ongoing health project gets funding from Australia

THE Australian government is providing a US$17.65million (K55.62 million) grant to fund an ongoing health project.
The project is also supported by the Asian Development Bank which is currently delivering high-quality primary healthcare to Papua New Guinea’s rural population.
The additional assistance was announced yesterday in Port Moresby in an event to commemorate the long-standing partnership of Asian Development Bank and Paoua New Guinea
ADB Papua New Guinea country director David Hill said: “The project is being rolled out in eight provinces and women and children are the main beneficiaries.”
The additional funding would help expand the project’s scope by upgrading seven existing health facilities (including staff training) and enhancing the health information system through the development of an electronic National Health Information System.
It has been piloted in Western Highlands, Milne Bay, Bougainville, West New Britain and Enga.
The project is supported by the governments of Australia and Papua New Guinea, plus the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries Fund for International Development.
It will help develop national health policies, facilitate sustainable partnerships between provincial governments and non-state actors, enhance people’s skills, upgrade health facilities, and promote healthcare in local communities.