By ESWIN PLESIO
MORE than 80,000 children across Papua New Guinea received birth registration services between January and August this year, as the Government and its development partners work to make registration more accessible to families.
The figure was revealed during a birth registration awareness campaign in Port Moresby, where officials from the PNG Civil and Identity Registry, UNICEF and the Australian Government called for stronger efforts to ensure children are registered from birth.
UNICEF Deputy Representative Rika Singer said birth registration was a fundamental right of every child because it provided official proof of identity and age.
“A birth certificate provides official proof of a child’s identity and age. It helps children access health care, education, protection and other essential services,” Ms Singer said.
She said birth registration services had been established in seven hospitals across seven provinces, with the programme also supporting policy development, personnel training and community awareness.
Ms Singer called for registration to become part of routine maternity, newborn and child health services, including through mobile and outreach services to reach remote communities.
Australian High Commission Minister-Counsellor Elizabeth Le Bas said birth registration was an important first step in giving children legal identity and recognition by the state.
“When every child is recognised at birth, we do more than provide a certificate. We give that child a place in the country’s future,” Ms Le bas said.
Acting Registrar General of the PNG Civil and Identity Registry Leslie Simon said greater public awareness was needed so parents understood the importance of registering their children.
“Information is a very powerful thing. When you are fully informed, you can make the right choices,” Mr Simon said.
He said the registry hoped to expand the initiative nationwide with support from UNICEF, the Australian Government and other partners.
The campaign also included the handover of birth certificates and a tour of the registration office at Port Moresby General Hospital.