Australia continues to support church health partners, who play a critical frontline role in delivering both medical care and community leadership in Papua New Guinea.
Recently, 25 church leaders and health workers took part in a training session in Port Moresby aimed at strengthening responses to Gender-Based Violence (GBV), Sorcery Accusation Related Violence (SARV), and promoting good governance in community health systems.
Sr. Maria Runane, Officer in Charge at the 9-Mile Clinic in Port Moresby thanked the Australian Government for the grant support noting that “Every one of us, including youths, need to be trained so that we can bring change to our community.”
The workshop, delivered by the Christian Health Services (CHS) and supported through the Community Justice Fund under the Australia–Papua New Guinea Law and Justice Partnership (APLJ), focused on promoting good governance and anti-corruption practices within faith-based health services. It’s aim is strengthening awareness and prevention of GBV and SARV, improving standards of care and support for survivors, and enhancing referral pathways between health providers, churches, and justice institutions.
CHS Deputy Charmain, Hector Morries, said “the purpose of the training is to strengthen the ability of CHS’s extensive network of churches and health centers across PNG to provide a proactive and integrated approach to addressing GBV and SARV.”
Participants explored practical approaches to addressing violence in their communities, including how faith leaders and health professionals can work together to shift social norms, support survivors, and promote accountability.
Through the PNG–Aus Partnership, Australia continues to support the church health services to strengthen safe, inclusive communities and improve access to justice and essential services across Papua New Guinea.
ENDS
Church health workers after strengthening responses to Gender-Based Violence (GBV), and Sorcery Accusation Related Violence (SARV) training.
For further information, including access to related materials, please contact the Australian High Commission media team: +675 7090 0100