Source: Government of AustraliaAustralia will provide $50 million to churches in Papua New Guinea over six years to deliver critical health and education services to the poorest, most disadvantaged and remote people of PNG.
These services include building medical centres for people with HIV and AIDS, operating health clinics and schools in remote areas, training medical workers and school teachers and running primary schools.
PNG churches help to resolve community conflicts, respond to disasters and improve the income of PNG's poorest people through growing and marketing cash crops.
Australia's support for these efforts recognises the vital role churches play in delivering approximately half the country's health and education programs.
Australian Non Government Organisations will work with PNG churches, who deliver aid directly to the people of PNG. This is a very effective way to ensure that capacity is being built and services reach the people most in need.
This new phase of the Australian Government funded Church Partnership Program builds on the success of the churches' efforts to date.
In the past Australia has provided $35 million to support PNG churches to raise HIV awareness, address discrimination, improve health facilities, train school teachers and respond to emergencies such as the cholera outbreak in 2009 and the Oro floods in 2007.
The new phase will continue this good work. It will help PNG churches work more closely with PNG Government service delivery agencies.
The program will also support PNG churches to join forces to deliver health and education activities. This will maximise the reach and effectiveness of Australia's support.
