In remote Kokoda Track communities where, rugged terrain makes access to health services difficult, Village Health Volunteers (VHVs) play a critical role as first responders.
Forty-seven VHVs recently refreshed their life-saving first aid skills through training held in both Central and Northern Provinces.
The training covered CPR, bleeding management and emergency response, strengthening their ability to support communities when urgent care is needed.
Lead coordinator for VHVs in the Mt Koiari area, Ms Cecily Nelson, walked with her group for two days to join 13 other volunteers from Sogeri and Mt Koiari.
“The last first aid training we attended was back in 2021 facilitated by the Kokoda Initiative Partnership. There’s definitely a need for first aid knowledge in the village so I will take back what I have learnt and teach those in my village,” Ms Nelson said.
Australia partnered with St John Ambulance to deliver the refresher training.
St John Ambulance Master Trainer Mr Bobby Kakare said basic first aid is essential for every Papua New Guinean.
“Basic first aid is something every Papua New Guinean should know, because when it comes to helping people in our own communities, it’s really important because it helps to ensure lives are saved,” he said.
Twenty-four VHVs from the Kokoda catchment area were also trained in Northern Province, some for the first time.
The training forms part of broader efforts by Australia and PNG to sustainably develop and protect the Kokoda Track region, driving growth, enhancing stability and improving service delivery.
