Papua New Guinea needs the support of all stakeholders to end gender-based violence (G-B-V).
In conjunction with the 16 Days of Activism against G-B-V, the World Health Organisation (WHO) came together with the Port Moresby General Hospital’s Family Support Centre (FSC) to show their support to end gender-based violence.
Staff of WHO took the time to stand together in solidarity with c PMGH FSC to add voices to those against violence with the message “Gender-based violence is not inevitable and can be tackled”.
WHO country representative to PNG, Dr. Pieter Van Maaren said that everyone must stand together as one to end violence against women, children and even men.
Maaren highlighted that while men also suffer G-B-V, women tend to bear the brunt of this prevalent human rights violation.
Acting CEO for PMGH Dr. David Mokele extended his appreciated to WHO for supporting and standing by the government through the Department of Health’s (NDoH) objective to address G-B-V through the FSCs throughout the country.
Mokele said G-B-V is a problem that is widespread throughout the country which needs to be addressed in a very uniform and aggressive way to keep it under control.
Clinical Coordinator for PMGH FSC Tessie Soi was thankful for the support and said a lot still needs to be done to address the issue.
Soi thanked WHO for selecting the FSC to support their work which treats over 1,200 G-B-V survivors throughout Port Moresby every month.
The 16 Days of Activism against G-B-V will observe World Human Rights Day on Saturday, December 10.