The Mary Mother of Catholic Hope clinic, in Buka, Bougainville, operated by the Catholic Church Health Services (CCHS), is setting a shining example of how sexual and reproductive health services can be successfully delivered in some of Papua New Guinea’s most remote and underserved areas.
Backed by the Australian Government through the Sexual and Reproductive Health Integration Project (SHRIP), the clinic is part of a broader initiative across 11 provinces.
SHRIP is improving access to high-quality sexual and reproductive healthcare by supporting 13 CCHS-run facilities to deliver vital services, including HIV and STI counselling, testing, and treatment.
But in Buka, this care goes far beyond basic health interventions according to Sister in Charge, Mama Rose.
“We see mothers, children, and entire families come through our doors, often from far-flung villages. They come because they trust us.”
“We are here to serve them with dignity and care.”
The clinic also provides antenatal services, making it a critical lifeline for maternal and child health in the region.
Mama Rose and her dedicated team conduct regular outreach and awareness sessions, helping local communities understand prevention, early treatment, and the importance of reproductive health.
“These services are crucial in ensuring our people, especially women and young people, receive the care they need, when they need it.”
The work is done in close collaboration with the Bougainville Department of Health, the National Department of Health, and various partners.
Through satellite clinics operated under the local diocese, the team extends their reach deep into hard-to-access communities.
SHRIP, implemented by a consortium including ASHM (Australasian Society for HIV, Viral Hepatitis and Sexual Health Medicine), Burnet Institute, and Igat Hope—under CCHS leadership—is part of the PNGAus Partnership, which supports the strengthening of health systems and services across PNG.
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