Graphics courtesy of http://worldatlas.com
Country Overview
Papua New Guinea is an extremely diverse country where over 800 languages are spoken amongst the 6 million inhabitants who are generally sparsely scattered throughout the islands. The economy is largely dependent on the export of raw minerals and therefore a major challenge is to ensure that these resources are exploited in a sustainable and equitable way. According to the World Health Organisation, Papua New Guinea has a generalised and increasing HIV/AIDS problem, based on poor access to health care and education. Gender inequality is high in Papua New Guinea, with women having lower literacy rates, poorer access to public services and very low participation in political and economic life.
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Papua New Guinea is faced with limited resources, a weak economy and a highly fragmented population. Its health indicators are poor and approximately 40% of its inhabitants live in poverty.
Since the area is vulnerable to cyclones, earthquakes, flooding, landslides and drought, AFAP’s Disaster Preparedness Program is a major component of its work in PNG.
AFAP works with their local network partner The Foundation for People and Community Development (FPCD).
FPCD has been conducting rural and community development work in Papua New Guinea since 1965. FPCD project sectors include community managed sustainable logging, youth mental health and youth development, rural water supply, health, disaster management, and micro-enterprise.
FPCD is active nationwide in PNG, although its work focuses mainly in 2 of 4 four regional areas, through their collaboration with government agencies, the private sector, other NGOs and community groups. |
Papua New Guinea
Islands 0.45 m sq km (roughly half the size of South Australia) Population: about 6 million
Poverty Report
Human Development Index for 2008: ranked 149 out of 177 countries
Percentage of population living on less than $1/day: 54%
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AFAP Programs:
Disaster Preparedness Program (past program)
Medical Supplies and Services
A shipment was dispatched in partnership with the Rotary Club of Tamworth to Mt Hagan Hospital. Distribution and customs clearance were handled by the PNG Department of Health with support from Rotary. The equipment fitted out new wards at the hospital with 50% of the container equipment supplied by AFAP and the balance by a Tamworth nursing home. The hospital is now functioning at an increased capacity.
A second shipment was dispatched to Mt Hagan hospital. AFAP assisted in the logistics and supplied some of the materials
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