HEALTH SYSTEMS STRENGTHENING

The WHO building blocks of health systems

 
 

PNG Health Workforce

Community Health Workers (CHWs)

 

Papua New Guinea is one of the few countries in the world that have professionalised Community Health Workers (CHWs). CHWs form the largest component of the clinical health workforce in PNG, often performing roles at much higher levels than their intended scope of practice due to the severe workforce shortages across the country.

Health Extension Officers (HEOs)

 

HEOs are a unique cadre that has been designed specifically for rural PNG. These superstars can perform minor surgeries, manage community health centres, run public health programs and a thousand other skills.

Nursing Officers (NOs)

 

Like any country, the nurses and midwives of PNG form a critical component of the health system but with the majority of the workforce nearing the age of retirement they are acutely overstretched.

Doctors

 

There are currently only around 500 doctors in the entire country, giving PNG the lowest doctor to population ratio in the Pacific and one of the lowest in the world. With only around 100 graduates being produced a year, tragically this ratio is declining.

 

ADI works with PHAs, National Department of Health and Church Health Services to build the capacity of rural health workers through case- based learning and class- based teaching. 

 

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused disruptions to health systems all over the word. PNG’s already fragile health system has been under incredible pressure, leading to a drop in routine immunisation coverage and disruptions to critical public health programs and essential services. ADI has been working with PHAs to address the misinformation hindering the COVID vaccine roll out and other health programs. We have supported training of health workers, logistics for delivery of vaccines.