Marie Stopes Papua New Guinea officially launched its family planning services in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville today.
The Arawa Outreach office was opened, with representatives from government departments, health officials and representatives from international organisations.
Country Director for Marie Stopes PNG, Tom Ellum said although family planning has increased in the region, there is still very low use of the service.
Therefore, the outreach team will provide a boost to family planning use, which will in turn help the ABG government accelerate progress in the government’s health plan.
Dr Joseph Vilosi, Doctor in charge of the Arawa Health Centre, said there have been very poor statistics of family planning in the region and the Bougainville Health Department does not have the capacity to address the issue.
The opening of this centre is a step in addressing the capacity shortage.
Family planning outreach exercises will start next week in Central and South Bougainville.
