With support from UNICEF, the National Department of Health (NDOH) is holding a training on the Integration of Social and Behaviour Change in Health Promotion Strategies in Port Moresby between 1-11 November.
The four-day training programme aims to equip health promotion and communication professionals with the requisite knowledge to design, implement, monitor, and measure the outcomes of effective and creative interventions and materials based on evidence and analysis.
During this week’s inauguration ceremony, Acting Deputy Secretary for Public Health Services, Mr. Ken Wai calls for commitment and support of the health workforce, to appreciate the National Government’s new paradigm shift, to bring health services back to the people, where they are, throughout the vast communities of the country.
Mr. Wai, also challenges the participants to make a difference in the provinces to transform this nation and take back health for the people.
“It will take time to change the behaviors and attitudes of our people to make informed decisions and take responsibility of their health. But it can be done!” says Mr. Wai.
“I thank NDOH and UNICEF for this excellent initiative because prevention is better than cure. Let’s apply the science of behaviour change to our healthcare interventions to make our beautiful country a healthier place for our communities”, adds Mr Wai.
The training, conducted in two batches, brings together 55 health promotion coordinators and communication specialists from 22 provinces and civil society organizations, including Save The Children, Touching the Untouchables, World Vision, FHi360, The Catholic Church Health Services, Child Fund and Christian Health Services.
“This is essential training, to introduce the concept of social and behaviour change and I believe, it will have a great impact on the effectiveness of our health promotion interventions needed to better public health in our country,” says Mr. Judah Iparam, Acting Manager for Health Promotion, National Department of Health.
“UNICEF is committed to support the National Department of Health in strengthening the capacity of government and CSO partners health promotion staff in PNG to improve consistent design and implementation of viable social and behaviour change strategies at the national and subnational levels.” says Ban Al-Dhayi, Social & Behaviour Change Manager in UNICEF.