Australian aid

The eruption had left a trail of destruction, displacing hundreds of women, men, and children.

At the request of both the Papua New Guinea and Bougainville governments, a significant delivery of humanitarian supplies took place on August 10th. Jon Philp, the Australian High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea, accompanied by Colonel Travis Gordon, Defence Adviser, oversaw the delivery. The supplies were transported via an Australian Defence Force C-27 aircraft, landing in Buka, the capital of Bougainville.

Representatives from Fiji, Tonga, Samoa, the Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, Tahiti, and the Kiribati Islands, attended and also witnessed the launch of the 2023 program.

The training focus was on the Health and Wash curriculum, aimed at improving the knowledge and behaviors of children regarding nutrition, physical activity, safe water, and hygiene, including hand washing.

One year since the Birthing Ward opened, more than 11,700 babies have been born at the new facility.  

The new Birthing Ward consists of 10 private birthing suites, and eight observation beds. The Birthing Ward with specialised equipment is one component of the ANGAU Hospital Redevelopment project supported by the Australian Government in partnership with the PNG Government.