By GEORGINA MICHAEL
The Australian High Commission has donated five Vehicles to the Catholic Church Health Services (CCHS) to support the Sexual and Reproductive Health Integration Project in Port Moresby.
The presentation was witnessed by the Acting Secretary from the National Department of Health Ken Wai, the Minister Counsellor from the Australian High commission Penny Mortion, Cardinal John Ribat the Archbishop of Port Moresby, and the distinguish guests.
The donation is said to have come in on a critical time , following the declaration of t a national emergency by the National Government on 26th June 2025.
The vehicles are being distributed to the CCHS and Key Population Advocacy Consortium (KPAC) clinics in the National Capital District and Central Province.
The fleet vehicles are:
15-seater bus for St Therese Clinic, Hohola
15-seater bus for St Paul’s Clinic, Geheru
4- door Land Cruiser pickup truck for Veifa Clinic in Central Province
Toyota Hilux For CCHS National Office
15-seater bus for KPAC, Sun Set Hub
Mr Wai said: “With the alarming statistics and unacceptable results of HI, with up to 30 cases including 7babies being reported every day.
“Following the declaration of National HIV emergency by the government, the city is becoming a melting point of HIV and so we need to do a lot more and so I am thankful to see the additional support from Australia to help response to the rising crisis of infection rate,” he said
Archbishop of Port Moresby, Cardinal John Ribat, said: “The donation of these fleet of vehicles is far more than a material gift, it is a simple of trust, friendship, of shared commitment to improve the health of every person in Port Moresby and Central province.”
“Reliable transport is needed as a game changer for our clinics, this vehicles will help our team, expend testing, improve treatment and reach communities that we might cut out due to lack of transport services.”
Minister Counsellor of the Australian High Commission, Penny Morton said: “As we know the fighting of the HIV remains challenging, these vehicles are not just logistical assets but they are in fact a life line for the people, these vehicles will enable, with community outreach, community business , and referrals to health and social services.”
“On behalf of the Australian Government, I am delighted to hand over these vehicles to the Catholic Church Health Services and I commend the work you are doing each and every day to assist the people living with HIV and can’t be reachable.
“Building on Australia’s already significant support for HIV services in PNG, this new element of partnership, reflects a shared commitment to compassion, equity and the believe that everyone deserves access to quality health care no matter where they live,” Ms Morton said.