One of 13 Catholic Church Health Services facilities have received assistance from the Australian Government to deliver improved sexual and reproductive health services.
Approximately 30,000 residents of Port Moresby suburb of Gerehu, and surrounding communities, are benefiting from improved health services following the refurbishment of St Paul’s Urban Clinic in late 2025.
The Clinic plays a critical role in preventing parent-to-child HIV transmission and supporting maternal health. In 2025, the facility tested over 800 people for HIV, with 37 confirmed positive cases, and 36 individuals initiated antiretroviral therapy (ART). Among those tested, 485 were pregnant women.
Catholic Church Health Services (CCHS) Projects Director Graham Apian expressed satisfaction with the renovation.
“The refurbishment of the Clinic represents an important investment in strengthening health services for communities in Gerehu,” Apian said.
“The improved infrastructure and service areas will support our health workers to deliver safer, more efficient, and more confidential care for patients, particularly in the areas of HIV, maternal health, and sexual and reproductive health.”
The clinic’s refurbishment included the reception area, consultation rooms, maternal and child health units, emergency areas, and dedicated spaces for confidential HIV testing and counselling.
These improvements have created a safer, more patient-friendly environment and are expected to enhance the delivery of HIV services while supporting more efficient, confidential care.
The refurbishment also saw the connection of the clinic to the main sewerage system, significantly improving sanitation and environmental health standards at the facility.
With the refurbishment complete, the clinic aims to further improve these outcomes in 2026 by strengthening testing and treatment services and improving the overall quality of care provided to the local population.
These enhancements represent an important step toward improving the health and well-being of families and vulnerable populations in the area.
The successful completion of the refurbishment reflects the strong collaboration and commitment of the Australian Government, the Catholic Church Health Services and project partners in supporting accessible, high-quality health services in Port Moresby and across Papua New Guinea.
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