WASH policy

He gave the challenged  the United Nations Children’s Fund PNG representative, Karen Allen, during the signing of a memorandum of agreement (MOA) between the EU and UNICEF for the roll out of the WaSH policy in selected rural areas.

While pledging his support to the roll out of the program, Minister Maru had a strong message to the development partners calling for proper planning before such projects are rolled out.

This question may seem funny but for PNG, where stunting is chronic throughout the country, it is an important one to really consider.

The root cause of this condition is malnutrition.

Malnutrition occurs when the body does not get enough nutrients. Causes include a poor diet or digestive conditions, among others.

Symptoms are fatigue, dizziness and weight loss. Untreated malnutrition can cause physical or mental disability.

National Planning Minister Richard Maru stressed the importance of WASH baseline data recently during the project closing of the seawater desalination project in Manus.

He called on the Government and development partners to fund an urgent nationwide survey on water and sanitation.

Papua New Guinea’s first WASH policy highlights that more than 75 percent of Papua New Guinea’s rural population and 85 percent of the country’s urban population are expected to have better access to improved water and sanitation by 2030.