ADB Support to Help PNG Achieve Universal Health Coverage

Resilienceapac – To support Papua New Guinea (PNG) in achieving universal health coverage, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved an additional financing package of $42 million. This funding aims to improve the delivery of affordable and high-quality health services in the country. Which faces numerous challenges in its healthcare sector.

Additional Financing Package for the Health Services Sector Development Program

This additional financing package consists of a $35 million concessional loan and a $7 million grant sourced from the Asian Development Fund (ADF), which provides grants to ADB’s poorest and most vulnerable member countries. The funds will be used to expand healthcare services, particularly in remote areas that have long had limited access to adequate healthcare facilities.

Inez Mikkelsen-Lopez, Senior Health Specialist at ADB. Shared that ADB has been supporting PNG’s rural health services for over a decade. This second round of financing will further enhance previous investments in the rural health sector. Focusing on training, management capacity building, and climate-smart infrastructure, all of which are critical for long-term sustainability.

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Improving Infrastructure and Health Services in Remote Areas

One of the main goals of this program is to build two district hospitals and six health centers. Which will benefit over 250,000 people living in remote areas. This effort is crucial in ensuring that rural communities have access to essential and quality healthcare services.

The first round of financing, provided through a co-financing grant from the Government of Australia. Expanded the scope of the project by adding one more health center and eight community health posts. The second round of financing will further extend the network by adding another district hospital. Increasing healthcare access in underserved regions.

Health Sector Reforms for Long-Term Sustainability

In addition to physical infrastructure, the program also focuses on policy reforms and strengthening the governance of the healthcare sector. PNG faces several challenges, such as weak healthcare governance, poor public financial management, and fragmented funding flows. All of which are being addressed through this program.

ADB’s financing will also help establish a national reference laboratory, improving diagnostic and regional surveillance capacity. Furthermore, health workforce training will be expanded to enhance the capabilities of healthcare professionals throughout the country. Ensuring better and more equitable healthcare services for all Papua New Guineans.

ADB Support remains committed to creating a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while continuing its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty. Through ADB support for ongoing projects like this, the bank plays a crucial role in helping countries like Papua New Guinea improve their healthcare systems and achieve Universal Health Coverage goals.

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