THE Australian Government’s ongoing commitment to improved health outcomes in Papua New Guinea has been demonstrated by the gifting of a new boat, the MV Eileen, to the Western Provincial Health Authority (PHA).
At an event attended by the Minister for Health Hon Elias Kapavore as well as Governor of Western Province Hon Taboi Yoto and the Western Provincial Administrator, Australia’s Deputy High Commissioner to PNG, Dr Joanne Loundes said, “this very practical gift to the Western PHA represents the ongoing commitment of the Australian Government to improving health outcomes in PNG.
In partnership with the Government of PNG, we have built health facilities across the country, trained healthcare workers, delivered critical services such as childhood vaccinations and care for pregnant women, and worked to ensure people with illnesses such as tuberculosis can get better and get on with their lives.”
The MV Eileen will assist the Western PHA to transport patients and medical cargo in the South Fly District and Treaty Villages in particular. Australia has long supported health programs in Daru and the South Fly area to ensure delivery of medical supplies, support the supervision of coastal health facilities, and provide transport of patients and staff for referral to Daru Hospital.
The MV Eileen builds on and complements Australia’s extensive support for improved health in Western Province, including through our support for health infrastructure, immunisation and TB services, and integrated outreach, including through a longstanding partnership with YWAM.
The ship has a long connection to Western Province, having previously transported supplies to Mabuduane to support the construction of the Australian-funded health centre there.
Acting CEO of the Western Provincial Health Authority, Dr Miriam Boga, thanked the Government of Australia for the contribution to the PHA saying, “Australia is a trusted partner and friend to the WPHA and this gifting of the MV Eileen will meet a critical need in health services delivery in Daru and South Fly District”.
Following the handover of the MV Eileen to Western PHA staff in Port Moresby, it will travel to Daru, where it will be put into service for the benefit of the people of the Western Province.
