The Gazelle District has officially joined other districts in East New Britain (ENB) by launching the Healthy Island Concept (HIC) during a Local Level Government (LLG) leaders’ induction held last month in March.
The launch was officiated by the Director for Public Health, Dr. Mathew Mongolop, alongside Provincial Administrator Mr. Levi Mano and various invited guests who gathered to witness the milestone.
While the progress of the HIC across Papua New Guinea (PNG) has been relatively slow, the provincial government, in partnership with the Provincial Health Authority (PHA), remains steadfast in its focus to roll out the concept directly at the ward level.
The HIC is recognized as a high priority within the National Health Plan 2021-2030, promoting a holistic approach to wellness.
This strategy ensures health is addressed through essential infrastructure and lifestyle standards, including safe water supplies, sanitary toilets, well-maintained villages, and clean homes.
Dr. Mongolop emphasized that integrating people at the ward level to take full community ownership is the primary driver for improving success rates.
“We believe in integration. This means, ward members at the ward level must take the lead in providing necessary information to health and for us to advise the government so that we improve on our coverage rate.”
“It is all about taking ownership and being responsible for our own health and we need to work closely.”
Furthermore, the provincial government has demonstrated its commitment to the HIC by aligning this year’s budget primarily with LLG initiatives.
During the launch, Provincial Administrator Mr. Mano highlighted that the government’s vision involves encouraging citizens to thrive within their own communities.
“Most of the population of our people are in the villages. Our government also wants people to go live in the villages and make a living there by committing this year’s budget to projects at the LLG.”
“People need to have a bit of patience for us to reach a destination that may achieve results in the next five years from now.”
