PNG's Poor Infant Mortality Rate

By Nellie Setepano

A TOTAL of 15,000 children in Papua New Guinea die every year from diseases that are easily preventable. That is equivalent to 41 children dying every day before they celebrate their fifth birthday. These deaths would not have occurred if personal hygiene were followed.

And this mortality rate for PNG contributes to the global rate of 3.5 million children dying every year from diseases like diahorrea and pneumonia. Diarrhoeal disease and pneumonia are responsible for the majority of the deaths.

Child mortality figures released by UNICEF last month show that some 2000 children under five die each day from diarrhoeal diseases globally. Of these, the vast majority – about 1800 children per day – die from diarrhoeal diseases due to lack of safe water, sanitation and basic hygiene.

Though the number has significantly declined in the five years since Global Handwashing Day was established, UNICEF says it is still too high.

The Health department, WHO, UNICEF, WaterAid and partners all agree that these deaths can be avoided if simple basic hygiene is practiced.

Many of these deaths can be prevented by simple healthy rules like washing hands thoroughly with soap before eating, preparing food, and after using the toilet.

Health living: Grade 8 student Helsy Raymond of

Porebada Primary School shows the right way to wash hands

while following demonstrations from WHO PNG boss Dr
William Adu-Krow yesterday.



The message from WHO, UNICEF and the department of Health that parents and communities must take ownership of this vital life-saving initiative to help children practice proper hygiene every day.

October 15 is set aside annually to celebrate Global Hand Washing Day with emphasis on washing hands. PNG celebrated the day yesterday for the fifth time.

For Port Moresby, Porebada Primary and Elementary school students celebrated the day with WHO, Health Department, UNICEF officials and partners visiting to stress home the message.

UNICEF boss in PNG Baba Danbappa said at Porebada School yesterday that Global Hand Washing Day revolves around children and schools. “We strongly believe that you children can be powerful agents of change. We know that children can also be part of the solution,” he said. He said children can use what they learn to influence change in their homes, schools and communities.

Minister for Health and HIV AIDS Michael Malabag also emphasised the need for people to do simple acts of washing their hands with soap to save lives.

He said in the olden days basic personal hygiene was strictly adhered to in schools and communities, however changing cultures has had a lot of influence on the mindset, behavior and attitudes of people and simple acts such as washing hands is totally ignored today.

Mr Malabag said personal hygiene should be an everyday practice and habit for individuals and families.

The Minister also called on the department of Education to implement and strengthen health and personal hygiene practices as part of every school activities.

Mr Malabag also noted that it is necessary for public health inspectors to seriously play their role by ensuring that places like schools, lodges, hotels, restaurants, care centres, bars and taverns are brought within the requirements of the Public Health Act and related laws, regulations and practices aimed at preventing the spread and outbreak of diseases.

“I believe this approach of promoting community leadership and good health and personal hygiene is more sustainable then creating a sense of community dependence on government over matters that are clearly the responsibility of respective families and communities,” he said.

PNG joined 100 other countries to mark the 5th anniversary of Global Hand Washing Day.

Head of WHO Dr William Adu-Krow also emphasised the need for individuals to practice proper hygiene. He took time to demonstrate with school children the right way to wash hands.