This World Population Day, we celebrate the importance of informed choices and family planning by sharing the story of Dexter Tony.
At 32, Dexter from Haebango village in Morobe Province of Papua New Guinea is a loving husband and father to five beautiful children, aged between three months and six years old.
Dexter realised the challenges he and his family would face if they had more pregnancies including the risks to his wife’s health, and the limitations he would have to support a growing family.
With his family’s wellbeing in mind, Dexter made the decision to undergo vasectomy, a procedure offered by MSPNG. Dexter and his wife embarked on a two-day journey across rivers and mountains to reach the MSPNG Morobe Outreach team. The vasectomy was quick and minimally invasive and Dexter was able to swiftly return to his daily activities.
Dexter's story is a testament to the impact of informed family planning decisions and the vital role men play in supporting their families' health. By sharing his experience, Dexter hopes to inspire others in his community to consider their options and prioritize their families' future. His decision not only benefits his family but also plays a part in managing population growth sustainably.
Australia is supporting Papua New Guinea to increase access to and use of sustainable, high-quality, inclusive, and integrated sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services. From 2020-2023, the achievements of the Partnering for Strong Families (PSF) program include:
- 622,518 people receiving sexual and reproductive health services, including family planning
- 154,397 total Couple-Years of Protection (CYP) generated in project provinces
- 784,502 people reached with family planning and SRH information through IEC materials and social media
- 105,932 family planning services provided
- 35,537 unplanned pregnancies averted
- 214 government health workers trained through the National Family Planning Training Program (NFPTP) to deliver long-acting permanent methods independently
- 97 people receiving Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) counseling services
- 4,395 young people accessing SRH and family planning services through outreach and rural patrols.
Effective family planning is crucial for sustainable development, improving quality of life, and ensuring resources are available for future generations.
Outreach Coordinators educating men and women about family planning methods.
For further information, including access to related materials, please contact the Australian High Commission media team: +675 7090 0100