Prime Minister Applauds Partnership Promoting the Survival of Mothers and Children in Childbirth

The Prime Minister has expressed his confidence and appreciation for the work of the Safe Motherhood Alliance of Papua New Guinea and their work to reduce maternal mortality in the nation.

"As in many developing nations, too many mothers and their babies are not surviving childbirth," PM O'Neill said.

"There are also many more who survive childbirth but suffer permanent damage to their health.

"While conditions are improving, it is through partnerships with groups such as the Safe Motherhood Alliance working with Government that we can make important progress.

"The Government, through the Minster for National Planning and Monitoring, will continue to work with our partners and the Department of Health to enhance the welfare of mothers and their babies."

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The Prime Minister made the comments after attending a forum facilitated by the Parliamentary Group on Population and Sustainable Development today in the State Function Room today.

Further issues discussed by the forum included activities underway to improve public awareness in relation to reproductive health, particularly among young people.

"Community outreach and education are essential for ensuring young people are both aware of their rights are aware of their own health issues," PM O'Neill said.

"We need to make sure our young people have information to help them to not be in a situation where they are vulnerable to having an unwanted pregnancies.

"As our economy grows, and as more opportunities are created for young people, we need to empower our young women so they can plan pregnancies to better suit their own plans in life."

The Prime Minister said the forum presented a range of views from academia, NGOs and Government, saying it is important for the public to be able to share their views at forums in the People's House.

"I commend Minister Charles Abel for his ongoing work with the Safe Motherhood Alliance of Papua New Guinea and look forward to further updates on this important work."

The discussion session was opened by West New Britain Governor Hon. Sasindran Muthuvel MP, and moderated by Dr. Edith Kariko, from the Papua New Guinea Women Doctor's Association.

The forum is an initiative of the Papua New Guinea Parliamentary Group on Population and Sustainable Development.