27/03/2026
Our neighbouring country Papua New Guinea. Rich in Culture and Diversity.
Yet Papua New Guinea (PNG) has the highest maternal and infant mortality rates in the Pacific region. It accounts for the majority of child deaths in the area. The maternal mortality ratio is roughly 171 per 100,000 live births, while some studies place the overall Oceania region, heavily weighted by PNG, at 494 per 100,000.
National Institutes of Health (.gov)
National Institutes of Health (.gov)
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Key Details on Maternal and Infant Health in PNG:
Maternal Risk: A woman in PNG has a 1 in 120 lifetime risk of dying in childbirth.
Causes: High rates are driven by preventable conditions like post-partum hemorrhage, sepsis, and eclampsia.
Challenges: Contributing factors include limited antenatal care, lack of skilled birth attendants, long distances to health facilities, and limited medical resources.
Infant Mortality: PNG faces significant challenges with neonatal mortality, with early neonatal mortality (within 7 days) at approximately 14 per 1000 live births.
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www.highlandsfoundation.org.au
Papua New Guinea National AnthemO arise all you sons of this land,Let us sing of our joy to be free,Praising God and rejoicing to bePapua New Guinea. Sho...
