Family planning outreach program extends to Hela

Marie Stopes PNG (MSPNG) continues to roll out its program as it recently opened a new family planning outreach program in Hela province last Friday.

The service delivery program is a new outreach based program in Hela that is supported by the Oil Search Foundation.

MSPNG launches family planning outreach program in Hela

Oil Search Foundation Hela Provincial Development Manager Rodney Ingersoll said the launch represents a major partnership exercise between MSPNG and the Hela Provincial Health Authority (HPHA) and is focused on supporting maternal child health care needs in the province under the Wok Bung Wantaim (WBW) initiative.

“Lessons learned will be shared widely in a united effort towards improving front line service delivery,” said Ingersoll.

It is understood that PNG continues to have some of the poorest health outcomes in the Asia Pacific region, particularly in terms of maternal and child health and family planning is considered as one of the most cost effective interventions to improve maternal health and promote sustainable population growth in PNG.

HPHA Director Doris Anton said that due to many social and political issues including the recent El Nino effects in the region, many people and business are discouraged to visit Hela.

“It is the responsibility of everyone to take ownership and look after such projects that come into the province.

Anton added that the ownership serves as a key factor in accelerating the growth and development of individuals, family units and the communities.

According to MSPNG, through the National Family Planning Training Program (NFPTP), MSPNG will train and support the health workers and the NFPTP provides workers with the knowledge and skills to provide quality, confidential and friendly family planning services in the various health facilities.

MSPNG Service Delivery Director Loretta Bele said that the MSPNG outreach team in Hela will serve all communities in the province, following a service delivery plan developed in collaborating with the provincial health authorities.

“All services provided by the outreach teams are free of charge,” she added.