The United Nations Population Fund Country office reaffirmed its support to Marie Stopes Papua New Guinea, with a commitment to the continued provision of reliable and quality Family Planning Commodities and preventing stock outs of these essential items.

Officer in Charge Dr. Rena Dona said it was great to see that the goals of Marie Stopes PNG were aligned with that of UNFPA, especially with respect to delivering a world where every birth is wanted.  

“We are with you in making the lives of ordinary Papua New Guineans better. We will continue to work with you to support the National Department of Health in the coming years,” said Dr. Dona.

This statement was shared during a Sexual and Reproductive Health and Family Planning Consultation in Port Moresby conducted by Marie Stopes with partners including UNFPA and the National Department of Health.

The Consultation included discussions and reflections on the implementation of PNG’s National Health Policy, notably the Sexual Reproductive Health and Family Planning Policy, to prevent maternal deaths and improve quality of family life in the country. The partners looked ahead to increasing knowledge sharing and potential opportunities and challenges to be addressed in 2023 and beyond.

National Department of Health Population and Family Health Services Branch Manager Dr. Edward Waramin acknowledged UNFPA and Marie Stope PNG as the two biggest partners in SRH and family planning and said this support is still needed by the Government.

“Family planning is a critical component for any country when it comes to people’s need for sexual and reproductive health services,” said Dr Waramin. “We are happy for the support provided to us in terms of programmes, planning, and implementation.”

The outcome of the Consultation will be tabled and presented at the first meeting of the NDoH Team Advisory Committee, Family Planning & Sexual and Reproductive Health Sub-Committee, in January, 2023.