ON International Day of the Midwife, recognition is being given to the dedicated midwives of Papua New Guinea whose work continues to save lives and strengthen communities across the country.
Among them is Mary Narowen, a Nursing Officer specialising in midwifery with Catholic Church Health Services (CCHS), based at the Centre of Mercy Clinic in Lae. Known warmly as “Mama Mary” by colleagues and junior nurses, she has spent 17 years providing maternal and HIV-related health care services.
Narowen serves as a Clinical Master Mentor and Antiretroviral Treatment Prescriber, and plays a leading role in the Prevention of Parent-to-Child Transmission (PPTCT) of HIV. She has also contributed to the Sexual and Reproductive Health Integration Project (SRHIP), an Australian Government-funded initiative aimed at improving maternal and reproductive health services.
Her work focuses on ensuring that mothers living with HIV can safely deliver babies who are free from the virus.
Through sustained clinical care, counselling, and community support, she has helped 78 babies be born HIV-negative to HIV-positive mothers under her care.
Beyond her clinical responsibilities, Narowen is widely recognised for her compassionate approach, helping families overcome stigma, fear, and emotional distress associated with HIV. Her emphasis on trust, dignity, and equal treatment has made her a cornerstone of care within her community.
“Serve with heart and treat everyone equally” is the guiding principle behind her work, one that continues to shape her impact on patients and fellow health workers alike.
As Papua New Guinea joins the global community in marking International Day of the Midwife, Narowen’s story reflects the critical role midwives play in improving maternal and child health outcomes.
Her dedication stands as a testament to the life-saving impact of skilled, compassionate midwifery care across the country.