This International Day of the Midwife, we are proud to celebrate the contributions of all of Papua New Guinea’s dedicated midwives.
In Lae, Morobe Province, Mary Narowen stands out as a committed Nursing Officer specialising in midwifery who currently serves with Catholic Church Health Services (CCHS). Mary is based at the Centre of Mercy Clinic.
She also carries key responsibilities as a Clinical Master Mentor, Antiretroviral Treatment Prescriber, and a leader in the Prevention of Parent-to-Child Transmission (PPTCT) of HIV.
Affectionately known as “Mama Mary” by her colleagues and junior nurses, she has devoted 17 years of her life to providing life-saving HIV care, including through the Sexual and Reproductive Health Integration Project (SRHIP), an Australian Government-funded program.
Mary’s work focuses on ensuring mothers living with HIV can give birth to healthy babies free from HIV.
Through her dedication and strong counselling support, 78 babies under her care have been born HIV‑negative despite their mothers being HIV-positive.
Beyond clinical care, she helps families overcome fear, stigma, and hopelessness, restoring dignity, trust, and hope.
Her approach is simple yet powerful: serve with heart, treat everyone equally, and build trust.
By empowering mothers, mentoring nurses, and creating a safe and welcoming space for care, Mary makes a positive impact on lives every day.
On this International Day of the Midwife, we honour Sister Mary Narowen and all midwives who stand on the frontlines, saving lives, strengthening communities, and proving that compassionate care truly makes a difference.
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Mary Narowen with a fellow health worker.
For further information, including access to related materials, please contact the Australian High Commission media team: +675 7090 0100