By GEORGINA MICHAEL
The National Department of Health needs partners as it cannot function on its own, says Acting Secretary Ken Wai.
He was speaking during the presentation of five fleet vehicles by the Australian government to the Catholic Church Health Services on Thursday.
Mr Wai said: “Health is a right and it is not a privilege, it represents services from the womb to the tomb and the Health Department is responsible and mandated by the constitution to deliver health services to the people who are in need for health services.
“However, the Health Department cannot possibly do everything. That is why as it needs friends and partners to work with to deliver the services needed.
“Fortunately we have the Catholic Church Health Services and I am proud to say that you (CCHS) run 47 per cent of the health services in the country. Thank you to the church and the Australian government for being by our side to deliver the most needed health services to the people, especially in the rural areas where government services cannot reach.
Mr Wai also thanked other partners, including WHO, UNFPA, UNH and others who were present in Papua New Guinea.
“Following the declaration of national HIV emergency by the Government of PNG on June 26 I am thankful to see the he response from Australia to help with the rising crisis of HIV in the country,” he said
”There are many drivers of HIV rates some of these factors are within the health system itself like accessibility for testing and treatment, while others are related to cultural moments and so collectively we must do more to make sure especially young people in particularly and pregnant mothers are aware of their status can access treatment to lower the risk of transmission.
“As partners we must work with the communities to raise awareness reduce stigma and prepare people from coming forward for testing,
“In response the Health Department is working to include the availability of test kits, finance health care with training and raise awareness in our communities,
“The National Aids Council and the National HIV Program are included in the National HIV Response Plan to raise awareness in our communities.” Mr. Ken Wai said
“Additionally, K10 million funding for church support has been included in the 2026 budget, as health is everyone’s business, and the partnership of and core of delivering the HIV emergency response, catholic health workers are the first ones to response to deal with HIV and showing their compassion and providing them with care.
“For more than two decades, CCHS has provided its health services, treated counselors, treated people living with Aids, under sexual and reproductive health services have worked together to integrate STI testing in 13 facilities which has helped to make testing and treatment available to especially women and girls.
“I thank the government and the people of Australia for the long standing support to HIV and to catholic health services for the partnership with the Government deliver health services in the country.”
“Going forward, 50 years have gone in the next 50 years we always to organize and revolutionize in terms of health workforce and infrastructure to transform the environment and the mindset of the people for a better and safe Papua New Guinea.