New Zealand and Madang PHA launch climate- resilience health care project
Three major health facilities in Madang Province are now proud recipients of new and improved healthcare facilities under the Building Community- Level Climate Resilience (BCCR) project.
The project is a partnership supported by the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and implemented by the Fred Hollows Foundation of Papua New Guinea, the Madang Provincial Health Authority and the Foundation for People and Community Development, a local non- government organisation in Madang.
The beneficiaries of the project, which had cost K2 million, are Saussi Health Centre, which is run by the Evangelical Brotherhood Church (EBC), Usino Health Centre, and Yagaum Rural Hospital, run by the Lutheran Church.
Saussi and Usino are in the Usino/ Bundi District whilst Yagaum is in Madang District.
The project was officially launched on Thursday by New Zealand's High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea, Her Excellency, Georgina Roberts, and Dr Martin Daimen, Chief Executive Officer of the Madang Provincial Health Authority.
The joint launching for the three health centres was conducted at Yagaum, witnessed also by officers from Saussi and Usino.
Her Excellency Roberts said the Madang project was one of the projects built on the long- standing partnership between New Zealand and Papua New Guinea.
"This relationship started way before Independence," she said.
She added that the partnership, whether in eyecare, rural health, or any other services, would not have been possible without the people's support.
"All of you made this possible, Madang PHA, National Department of Health, Provincial Government, National Government, and the management of the three health centres. I would like to congratulate all of us who were involved in this project," Her Excellency Roberts said.
Speaking in Tok Pisin, she emphasised, "Yumi mas wok Bung wantaim." (we must work together).
The NZ High Commissioner added, "It's a great privilege during my very first visit to Madang to be able to officiate at this launching. I've been in PNG for only six months now."
She urged people in the local catchment areas that will benefit from the project to continue to advocate for good health, adding the project is a testament of the commitment that the people of New Zealand have towards Papua New Guinea.
Key upgrades across the three pilot health care facilities included solar power systems with battery storage capacity of upbto 36 KVA at each facility, ensuring reliable electricity for health care services, and essential medical equipment, installation of six 9, 000 litre water tanks, three 5, 000 litre water tanks, overhead tank stands, water pumps, gutters and downpipes, improving access to safe and reliable water supply.
She said additional upgrades included six ceiling fans, 12 air-conditioning units, handwashing stations, patients and visitors ablution facilities, verandah extensions, disability access ramps, paving, window repairs with mesh wire, roofing improvements, broader building infrastructure rehabilitation works with paintings and fencing.
Her Excellency Roberts further stated that the B- C- C- R project demonstrates how national and Provincial Health Authorities, local communities, and N- G - O partners can work collaboratively to deliver climate- resilience and environmentally sustainable upgrades to rural health facilities.
Meanwhile, Madang PHA CEO, Dr Martin Daimen, described Thursday's launching as more than just a ceremony.
He said, "Today is a celebration of a deep, enduring and respectful partnership between the governments of New Zealand and Papua New Guinea, through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and Fred Hollows Foundation (FHF). New Zealand has always been a trusted partner. New Zealand has proven that true development is built on neutral respect and local capacity building."