The implications of continued inefficient spending on health and nutrition outcomes are dire in the country.
Shortages in human resource, unavailability of supplies and inadequate infrastructure have led to very low access and utilisation rates.
According to the World Bank Group report, in 2016 only a third of women had access to modern contraceptive methods, 54 percent of pregnant women attended at least one antenatal care visit and only 40 percent of women delivered with the assistance of a skilled birth attendant.
More worryingly, coverage of basic health services such as immunisation is declining.
The report suggests that given slow improvements in maternal and infant health outcomes and the increasing burden, this trend is worrying.
(Waiting at the Port Moresby General Hospital)