Introducing Life-Changing Health Education in Papua New Guinea

An advocate is realizing health in her community with advocacy, education and communication.

Situation

The statistics in Papua New Guinea are grim. According to the World Health Organization, health indicators are poor, with average life expectancy of only 53 years. Part of the challenge is that 87% of the population lives in rural areas in widely scattered communities, making health education a challenge for advocates like Doreen Dawadawareta.

Solutions

Doreen Dawadawareta works as a public health advocate in Kimbe, Papau New Guinea. After completing RGH’s 7‐Day MPH program, she became aware of the importance of information sharing and the use of technology to improve community health in her district.

Upon finishing the 7‐Day program, Mrs. Dawadawareta felt empowered to do more. She immediately enrolled in in a local program, called “Training of Village Health Volunteer”, which aims to implement the skills and knowledge necessary to provide education to their communities. From there she visited communities in three provinces and advocated for healthy communities by emphasizing the use of technology, information, education, and communication. She also utilized the latest adult learning techniques to participate in the training of Health and Agricultural officers.

Success

Mrs. Dawadawareta has increased public health awareness tremendously by establishing a network of equipped, well trained and knowledgeable teams who successfully work with their communities on public health issues. She works tirelessly at the health facility in Kimbe to improve the capacity, knowledge of health information coverage and how to involve the community for enhanced results.

Due to her dedication, Mrs. Dawadawareta is now a recognized public health advocate in her community, local level government institutes, ward councilors and as a speaker at important public health events.

About this Series

RGH’s 7-Day online programs provide participants with dynamic capacity building solutions that empower real country-led development. This series highlights the success of participants as they strive to bring better health and well-being to their communities and countries.