More than 1,000 additional pregnant mothers and children under five have been registered under the Child Nutrition and Social Protection (CNSP) Project in Daru, Western Province.
The three-week registration exercise, led by the CNSP Component Management Unit 2 (CMU2) under the Department for Community Development and Religion (DFCDR), concluded last week.
This brings the total number of beneficiaries in Daru to 1,696.
The CNSP Project continues to expand across participating provinces, Madang, Simbu, East New Britain and Western, with more families expected to benefit in 2026.
Registered beneficiaries have opened MiBank accounts, which will be used to deliver cash grants directly to mothers.
The funds are intended to help families access nutritious food and support the health and wellbeing of mothers and young children.
Beneficiaries have welcomed the support, saying it is making a real difference in their daily lives.
“This project has changed our lives,” said Emma Miria, a mother of a two-year-old and expecting her second child.
“The monthly support helps me provide nutritious food and take better care of my children,” she said.
Western Province Social Protection Coordinator, Mr William Goinau, described the project as impactful.
“Direct payments into mothers’ bank accounts are helping ensure support reaches those who need it most,” Mr Goinau said.
Karakara Ward Village Court Chairman, Mr Koitabu Gawo’o, thanked the national government’s initiative and stressed the need for continued support.
CMU2 Manager, Mr Joseph Klapat, thanked the Western Provincial Administration and project team for their commitment, and expressed confidence that the program will continue to grow and benefit more communities across the country.
He also thanked the Department of Justice and Attorney General (CMU 3) for its coordination role, and the Department of Health (CMU 1) for delivering key nutrition and health interventions under the project.
Meanwhile, registration activities are continuing in the participating provinces with the support of contracted partners – Save the Children and World Vision.