From hamlet to hamlet
Bringing nutrition services to the last mile.
The signs of malnutrition are not always easy to see, but its impact can last a lifetime. Across Papua New Guinea, trained Village Health Assistants are playing a vital role to help communities access healthcare, promote good nutrition practices and support children's wellbeing.
Through the Government's Child Nutrition and Social Protection (CNSP) Project, supported by the Australian Government and the World Bank, these frontline workers visit households, monitor children's growth and support families with practical advice and services.
Recently, 140 VHAs travelled across remote communities in East New Britain's Gazelle District to carry out a household monitoring survey, bringing both vital services and valuable insights that will help strengthen support for children and families. Follow their work.
VHAS gather at Kaudalung No. 2 in the Inland Baining area of East New Britain's Gazelle District before setting off on the first day of a 10-day household monitoring survey under the Child Nutrition and Social Protection (CNSP) Project.
Hamlets are scattered across a vast and rugged landscape, with no proper roads connecting them. To reach the next stop, the team follows a narrow bush track down a steep slope, crosses a stream and climbs the hillside again. A small cluster of houses comes into view, but only one family is home.
The team splits up to cover more ground. While some stop to interview a family and record their responses, others continue along the bush track in search of more households to visit.
“We rely heavily on VHAs. They bring health information to families and help connect communities with health services. It is challenging work, often involving long walks in difficult conditions, but their contribution is invaluable so we need to look after them too.”
New to the VHA programme, Ismahel Wain says the programme has taught him practical ways to improve his family's health. “I now wash my hands at critical times and encourage my family to do the same,” he says.
Fellow VHA Rodney John believes the work is vital. “Malnutrition is a serious problem in our country, and we all have a role to play in addressing it,” he says.
At Maruga community, mother of two Maureen Laumbo welcomes the team.
For the next 10 days, the teams will continue crossing rivers, climbing steep slopes and walking narrow bush tracks to reach families scattered across Avungi Ward. Their journeys may be long, but their mission is to help ensure every child has the chance to grow up healthy, well-nourished and ready to thrive.
