Opening of St Pauls Clinic, Gerehu
Catholic Health Services
29 June 2015

Remarks by Ms. Bronte Moules

Australian Deputy High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea

Acknowledgements
• Hon Michael Malabag MP, Minister for Health and HIV/AIDS
• Hon Governor Powes Parkop MP, Governor National Capital District
• Archbishop of Port Moresby, John Ribat
• Dr Gary Ou’U, National Capital District Health Adviser

Good Morning,

It is an honour to be part of this ceremony to officially open the new St Paul’s Clinic here in Gerehu.

I can see based on the number of people present today, that this is an occasion close to the hearts of the people of this community and the broader National Capital District.

The Catholic Health Services is a major partner in the delivery of Health & HIV responses for the Government of PNG. We are proud to support your work here and across the country.

Your services reach settlements and rural villages across the country through 65 sites in 20 Provinces.

You deliver broad range of programs, including maternal and child health, communicable disease, counselling, prevention and support and community engagement.

The opening of this clinic demonstrates the commitment by both the Government of Australian and Government of PNG in investing in the health of the people of PNG.
Today we are opening a clinic that will significantly improve the access to health care for the people of Gerehu.

The clinic that is being opened today is the result of an investment by the Australian and PNG Governments of nearly K1.5 million.

It is a worthwhile investment.

Discussion on the development of this clinic commenced in 2011 with the aim of the clinic being primarily a HIV testing clinic.

It grew into a multi-purpose centre to address more than just HIV.

This facility is an integrated health clinic that provides a wide range of services, including HIV, TB and STI management and acting as a referral centre to St John’s Hospital.

The Australian Government is proud to be partnering with the Catholic Health Services, the Government of PNG and NCD health in this project that will make an immense difference in the lives of people in this community.

Thank you to everyone who has been involved.