Attachments
Appeal number MAAPG003
PEOPLE REACHED
- Climate and environment 64
- Disasters and crises 5,603
- Health and wellbeing 1,428
- Migration and displacement 100
- Values, power and inclusion 73
OVERALL PROGRESS
Context
Papua New Guinea has a population of approximately nine million, with more than 800 languages spoken among more than 1,000 ethnic clans. Agriculture, fishing, forestry, artisanal, and small-scale mining are primary livelihood activities in rural areas, while the minerals and energy extraction sector account for most export earnings and GDP.
The country’s economy contracted by two per cent in 2021 because of the COVID-19 impact. A modest rebound in the economy is expected of 2.7 per cent in 2023, despite chronic political instability in Papua New Guinea, which has experienced social unrest in the aftermath of the July 2022 elections.
During the reporting period, Papua New Guinea was exposed to small to large natural, health and human-induced hazards ranging from floods in Central Province, to a volcanic eruption in Bougainville, earthquakes in East Sepik and ethnic and tribal fighting in Highlands and Port Moresby. COVID-19 has further worsened poverty and inequality, and pressure from surging inflation risks breeding further discontent and the next challenge is that Papua New Guinea is anticipating a drought due to El Nino. High temperatures and the resulting heat stress and humidity have a negative impact on agriculture, which 85 per cent of Papua New Guinea’s population rely on.
Key achievements
Climate and environment
During the reporting period, the Papua New Guinea Red Cross Society created a drought response plan and used project reports to guide improvements. The National Society led a coral reef restoration event, while another staff member received climate training in Fiji. Volunteers cleaned the headquarters and recycling stations were set up to promote environmental practices.
Disasters and crises
The Papua New Guinea Red Cross Society trained staff in emergency vulnerability assessments and gathered community feedback on COVID-19 and vaccines. Throughout the year, the National Society responded to several emergencies, assisting thousands of people and distributing relief items. The responses included aid for fire victims in Port Moresby, earthquake survivors in East Sepik and flood-affected families in Gabagaba.
Health and wellbeing
The Papua New Guinea Red Cross Society trained several individuals under its first aid programme in both community-based and commercial first aid. These trainings provide crucial skills and also serve as a revenue source for the National Society. Under the Red Ready initiative, the National Society branches conducted refresher trainings and community awareness campaigns in schools. The National Society branches of Milne Bay, East New Britain and Madang engaged in health and hygiene education for students and teachers in the region. The National Society also ran a building trust project to combat COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy by collecting community feedback and conducting meetings to improvestrategies and collaboration with other partners.
Migration and displacement
During the reporting period, the Papua New Guinea Red Cross Society responded to several humanitarian crises, including election-related violence in the Highlands Region. It distributed essential items to those affected and displaced by the unrest. The National Society also provided relief to families displaced by floods and an earthquake, focusing on distributing household items, temporary shelter materials and hygiene kits.
Values, power and inclusion
During the reporting period, the Papua New Guinea Red Cross Society actively integrated PGI principles into its programmes and projects. The National Society partnered with the Ministry of Education to run a special education school in Hohola, Port Moresby which serves children with a curriculum that includes academic, therapy and vocational training, supported by a team of professionals. Additionally, the Disaster Management Coordinator, who also serves as the PGI focal person, attended a workshop in Suva on Pacific regional anticipatory action focusing on planning for PGI activities for the coming year.
Enabling Local Actors
During the reporting period, the Papua New Guinea Red Cross Society focused on improving its capacity through strategic updates and restructuring under the new Strategic Plan 2030. Key policies and documents were reviewed and approved to enhance governance, coordination, and operations across the country. The Red Ready project phase II was vital in assessing branch capabilities to identify areas needing support. In 2023, significant capacity-building initiatives, including community engagement and accountability (CEA) training and eVCA sessions conducted across several branches.