01 August 2014

Australia supports new life-saving midwifery training facilities for PNG

Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Deputy Secretary, Mr Ewen McDonald, today opened new midwifery teaching facilities in Goroka.

Mr McDonald said the K9.88 million infrastructure upgrade at the University of Goroka Midwifery School including a multipurpose lecture theatre and four new staff houses is a major investment in the health of PNG’s mothers and babies.

“The PNG and Australian Governments share a common goal - to save the lives of women and children in childbirth,” Mr McDonald said.

“In PNG – Australia’s closest neighbour – a woman is 80 times more likely to die in childbirth. To help address this challenge Australia is supporting the training of increased numbers of midwives.”

Australia is refurbishing four midwifery schools in PNG and building a fifth school to expand capacity to train midwives in quality conditions. Australia also supports clinical midwifery facilitators who work with teachers and students at the schools to improve teaching quality and produce confident graduates.

The University of Goroka is a key partner in implementing both the Government of PNG and Australia’s priorities for increasing the number and quality of midwives to enhance the health workforce.