Australia helps PNG Health workers to respond to survivors safely and consistently

Papua New Guinea (PNG) is taking an important step toward improving the quality, consistency and compassion of care provided to victim-survivors of gender‑based violence (GBV).

As a first of its kind, a national, standardised, in‑service training package for health workers in PNG has been finalised by the National Department of Health (NDoH) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), with the support of the Australian Government.

The new package reflects national standards, frontline realities and international best practice. Once endorsed, the training material will be piloted to support health workers to provide the clinical care, psychosocial support, and referral pathways essential to ensure victim-survivors are treated with dignity and provided with support and access to justice.

The NDoH-led pilot will then help refine the training package, strengthen delivery approaches and ensure materials are relevant to health workers operating in urban, rural and remote locations.

Dr Mark Raphael, Manager of Population Health at the NDoH said “As a department, NDoH is committed to ensuring that victim-survivors of GBV receive appropriate, timely, and compassionate care. This new training package will equip health workers across PNG with the practical tools to respond to survivors safely and consistently”. 

Australia remains committed to working with PNG to build a safer, healthier and more inclusive future for all.

 

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Participants and partners at the workshop.

For further information, including access to related materials, please contact the Australian High Commission media team: +675 7090 0100