More than 1,000 pregnant women and children under five have registered for the Child Nutrition and Social Protection (CNSP) Project in Madang District, significantly expanding access to direct financial support for families in remote communities.

The intensive two-week registration exercise, led by Component Management Unit 2 (CMU2) under the Department for Community Development and Religion (DFCDR), is expected to conclude this weekend. Future registrations will continue through the project’s ongoing Support and Coordination arrangements.

To facilitate the direct cash grants, newly registered beneficiaries have opened personal Mi Bank accounts. The financial assistance is designed to empower families to directly meet the critical nutritional and healthcare needs of pregnant women, unborn babies, and young children during their most vulnerable developmental stages.

Local leaders have highly welcomed the initiative, noting that geographical isolation presents a severe challenge to rural families.

Ward 21 Councilor for the Ambenob Local Level Government (LLG), Libok Sawan, described the project as a breakthrough opportunity for mothers in his district to receive financial assistance directly into their accounts. He noted that families in remote areas face significant barriers to basic healthcare, including deteriorated roads and a lack of nearby health facilities.

“These challenges make it incredibly difficult for pregnant women to attend antenatal appointments, give birth safely, or take sick children to clinics,” Mr. Sawan said. “On behalf of my people, I want to thank this project and request our government to continue funding it into the future.”

Bou Village Court Magistrate Kem Yal echoed these sentiments, stating that geographical isolation and limited health service access continue to heavily impact mothers and children in remote villages, particularly during childbirth and medical emergencies. “The rollout of this CNSP Project will greatly help mothers, children, and the family as a whole,” Magistrate Yal said.

For local mothers, the project represents a vital lifeline. Lina Manes, a mother of three with a three-month-old baby, expressed her gratitude that the project had finally reached her community after hearing about its success from mothers in other districts. She noted that the assistance would directly help her provide for her children and secure their long-term wellbeing.

Existing beneficiary Elma Banabas, who registered for the programme in June 2023 when her son was just two months old, shared how the cash grants have sustained her family. Ms. Banabas used the funds to purchase nutritious food and secure clinic care when her son fell ill—support that became crucial after she separated from her husband.

“The funds I receive through my Mi Bank account help me and my baby sustain our living,” Ms. Banabas said.

Efu Village Ward 21 Recorder Johnathan Morris joined the call for continuity, urging the government to extend the programme due to its unmatched value as a direct financial buffer for mothers and young children.

Beyond health outcomes, the CNSP Project is driving digital literacy and employment at the grassroots level. Speaking on behalf of 79 Community Development Workers (CDWs) in Madang District, Solomon Saw said the project has provided both sustainable income and practical technical training.

Mr. Saw, who began implementing the programme across Wards 1 and 6 in 2024, highlighted that workers have gained invaluable experience utilizing tablets and laptops, accessing online enrollment systems, and managing digital registrations.

“These skills have created unprecedented opportunities for local workers—including individuals who may not have completed formal education—to earn an income, gain digital literacy, and support their households,” Mr. Saw stated.

The Child Nutrition and Social Protection (CNSP) Project aims to help families access nutritious food and healthcare, contributing to improved nutrition and overall wellbeing for mothers and young children across Papua New Guinea.

Registration operations are actively continuing across Simbu, East New Britain, Madang, and Western provinces, supported by contracted implementing partners World Vision and Save the Children.