PSI

PNG is a Pacific island nation with a population of 6.7 million. The same rugged terrain that has contributed to the formation of over 850 disparate tribes and languages, protects virgin forests and undiscovered species is one of many factors that affects the health of Papua New Guineans. Lack of transportation infrastructure makes distribution of health products at the village level especially difficult and supervision of health services a challenge. Only 70% of rural aid posts are open and those open have inconsistent stocks of medicine and supplies. Stigmatization of illnesses and misconceptions about the causes of preventable diseases discourage many people from accessing health services or adopting healthier behaviors. High incidences of sexual violence and under representation of women in government contribute to PNG’s standing as 124th of the 136 countries ranked in the United Nations Development Program’s gender-related development index.

PSI established a PNG office in 2007 to assist the PNG Government’s efforts to measurably improve the health of all Papua New Guineans. In support of the PNG’s Government’s HIV and AIDS Strategic Plan, PSI/PNG focuses on HIV prevention through targeted behavior change communication (BCC) and condom social marketing of Seif Raida male and Stap Seif female condoms. Through September 2009, PSI/PNG estimates that its HIV programs resulted in gaining 617 DALYs1

In November 2009, PSI/PNG secured funding for two years as a principal recipient from the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (GFATM) in order to compliment the PNG government’s efforts in malaria control. Two additional principal recipients were identified: the National Department of Health and Rotarians Against Malaria of Port Moresby. Together, the three principal recipients have the following objectives under this project: strengthen political commitment for malaria control in PNG; maximize access to prompt quality malaria diagnosis and appropriate treatment for malaria; improve vector control measures; improve knowledge, behavior and participation of communities and individuals in the national malaria control effort; and strengthen technical and administrative management capacity for malaria control.

1. 1. The DALY (Disability-Adjusted Life Year) is a widely-used, credible metric that was first developed by the World Bank and is now routinely relied upon in the public health community.

Health Areas

HIV, Malaria

Health Impact

PSI/Papua New Guinea estimates that in 2010, its products and services helped avert:

• 164 HIV & TB DALYs1
• 138 Reproductive Health DALYs
1. 1. Source: The DALY (Disability-Adjusted Life Year) is a widely-used, credible metric that was first developed by the World Bank and is now routinely relied upon in the public health community.

Health Interventions

• Female Condom
• Male Condom

Improving Health in Papua New Guinea

Malaria

Malaria is one of the major causes of illness and death in PNG. The disease is endemic, with 90% of the population at risk of contracting malaria. Children younger than age 5, pregnant women and People Living with HIV and AIDS inequitably carry this burden. In addition, malaria interventions are exceedingly challenging in PNG due to the presence of all four malaria parasite species.

With support from the GFATM and in partnership with the PNG government, Rotarians Against Malaria and other partners, PSI/PNG will:

• Strengthen political commitment for malaria control in PNG;
• Produce low-literacy instructions for the packaging of the government’s new first-line malaria treatment in order to facilitate treatment compliance (particularly among children younger than age 5);
• Develop a network of partners (government offices, faith-based organizations and non-governmental organizations) in order to facilitate consistent messaging for behavior change communications around malaria prevention and treatment in communities;
• Develop a communications strategy to include interpersonal communications and mass media;
• Deploy outreach officers to conduct health education sessions in communities to increase consistent and correct use of mosquito nets, and to ensure those with fever report immediately to a health care facility.

In future years, PSI/PNG envisions rolling out a program for the home management of malaria, using community drug distributors in villages.

HIV

PNG has the highest incidence rates of HIV in the Pacific region. The National Department of Health reports 28,294 confirmed cases of HIV as of 2008. High incidences of sexual violence and strong stigmatization of people living with HIV and AIDS suggest that many cases of HIV are undocumented. Heterosexual transmission is the predominant means of infection. 1

With support from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), AusAID and NZAID, PSI/PNG implements a BCC program to reduce the incidence of HIV in six of PNG’s rural economic enclaves (mining and agro-industrial companies). This program consists of a 3-4 day men’s sexuality and sexual health workshop for male employees of the target enclaves, as well as community leaders and pastors from villages in the enclave footprints. The two focus behaviors of concurrent partner reduction and correct and consistent condom use are framed within the context of improving the quality of primary relationships through better sexual health, greater intimacy, and better sex. While speaking openly about sex can be very difficult for many communities in PNG, the Tokaut na Tokstet! workshops have been so well-received that PSI/PNG will be launching a similar workshop for women in 2010 in response to demand.

The ADB also helps fund PSI/PNG’s nationwide social marketing of Seif Raida male and Stap Seif female condoms. PSI/PNG’s strategy is to improve condom accessibility by using multiple distribution channels throughout the country – especially targeting mobile men with money in rural economic enclaves. PSI/PNG aims to encourage correct and consistent use of free and social marketed condoms through interpersonal communications (IPC) and mass media activities that promote:

• Correct and consistent use of condoms;
• The benefits of partner reduction;
• Responsible and consensual sexual relationships.

1. 1. UNAIDS: 2008 Report on the global AIDS epidemic

Latest News

• 800 die of malaria in Papua New Guinea annually
  March 18, 2011