Unfortunately, many women in Papua New Guinea have no one to help them when they are giving birth.
In Central Province, where Judy lives, only one in five babies is born in a health clinic with a skilled health worker to address any complications.
“Many women give birth at night so it is too hard to get to the clinic,” Patricia says. “Some might start pains in the afternoon, but labour will begin later in the evening when it is too late to travel.”
ChildFund supporters are helping train more Village Health Volunteers like Patricia to come to the aid of mothers like Judy when they cannot make it to a clinic.
This project is also supported by the Australian Government through the Australian NGO Cooperation Program (ANCP).
These dedicated volunteers have received training to assist during labour and play an important role in trying to get all mothers to deliver at a clinic.
“After we were trained, almost all the mothers in this area ask for our assistance. Before, some mothers were alone during childbirth.”
Judy is grateful to have had Patricia by her side. She now has a beautiful 18-month-old girl, Joylyn.
