Papua New Guinea
Jill Bosro of HELP Resources and son Francis. Photo: Dave Tacon/OxfamAUS
They're our nearest neighbours yet life for Papua New Guineans is a world away from ours in Australia with more than one in three living in poverty. The causes are complex but Oxfam Australia's commitment is long-term, to ensure poor communities enjoy the benefits of their resource-rich nation and build a sustainable future for the next generation.
Managing natural resources
PNG's forests and rivers are critically important to the millions of people who depend on them for food. They're also major sources of revenue for the government and big business. But some developments, particularly in the mining sector, are causing people to lose their way of life and damaging the environment.
We're concerned that poverty will become more extreme if habitats are lost and natural resources are not managed at sustainable levels. That's why we're supporting the Centre for Environmental Research and Development to reduce the detrimental impacts of mining on communities and helping locals to voice their concerns over the Tolukuma gold mine through our mining advocacy program.
Supporting young people
PNG has a young population – 40% are under 15 – and they're entering adulthood amid an HIV and AIDS epidemic. In 2005, 64,000 people were living with HIV, the highest rate of reported HIV cases in the Pacific region.
Together with our partner HELP Resources we're educating young people about HIV and AIDS and sexually transmitted infections, providing them with counselling and support, and increasing their access to reproductive health services.
We're also helping young people through Oxfam International Youth Partnerships (OIYP), a global network of 18-25 year olds working for positive change. PNG is represented in the network by Mercy Natalie Masta who is working to fight the country's HIV epidemic and Festus Maiginap, a journalist with a passion for social justice.
Gottfried from HELP Resources is trying to assist the landowners of Kreer village outside Wewak to develop a water catchment for their village. Photo: Dave Tacon/OxfamAUS
Partnering with the Pacific
PNG has integrated into the world economy mostly as a supplier of natural resources, selling mainly to neighbouring states. The outcome of its current trade negotiations with Australia and New Zealand will have major implications for PNG's development. We believe Australia must use its aid and trade policies to fight poverty in the region and negotiate a fair trade deal with our Pacific neighbours.
Responding to emergencies
In December 2008, severe sea surges caused flooding in six provinces, affecting up to 75,000 people. We helped communities on four islands near Wewak access emergency supplies, shelter and clean water.
Similarly in November 2007, we helped more than 9,000 people affected by flooding in Oro, Central and Milne Bay provinces. Our public health program continues to ensure people remain healthy and have access to clean water and sanitation.
Fast facts
- Population below the poverty line:
- 40%
- Percentage of population living with HIV:
- 2%
- Literacy (age 15 and over can read and write):
- 57.3%
- Infant mortality rate:
- 46.67 deaths/1,000 live births
- Unemployment rate:
- 2.8% up to 80% in urban areas
Source: AusAID, UNDP, CIA World Factbook