In PNG, AHP has enabled rapid support to be mobilised through trusted local networks, helping ensure assistance is delivered quickly, safely and in line with community priorities. Plan International has been responding in coordination with the Autonomous Bougainville Government, through their established Emergency Command Centres in North, Central and South Bougainville, local leaders, community representatives, the Australian Government, and other humanitarian actors.

With support from the AHP El-Nino response fund, provided by the Australian Government to impacted communities, coastal regions in PNG’s Central Province now have ongoing access to clean water.

In the Autonomous Region of Bougainville, PNG, Junior has gone from a participant of Disaster Risk Reduction training to a workshop facilitator, supporting youth with skills and knowledge on food processing.

"Our ancestors didn't even understand the food preservation methods… Now, my children and I won't be hungry when the dry season comes; we still have our flour to eat." Read how Disaster READY is enhancing food security and providing an income for women in PNG.

In PNG, Disaster READY partners are helping communities to think differently about crop harvesting and storing, by exploring techniques that mean food is available through the leaner months.

Since Pastor John arrived in his community six years ago, he has witnessed eight deaths from people drinking contaminated water. John worked quickly to mobilise his community, reaching out to Disaster READY parter, Baptist Union, for support.

Farming training designed specifically for climate-impacted communities is helping young people in PNG with increased food security and income generation.

“It has really made it easier for someone like me to have a bank account,” Rita said. “It’s also the first time for me to receive cash.” Read how cash and voucher assistance through Disaster READY is transforming the lives of women with disabilities.

In Papua New Guinea, Disaster READY’s Climate Change Adaptation programs are increasing women’s economic empowerment, tackling food insecurity, and providing and income to support children’s education.

PNG churches have been an integral part of the AHP COVID-19 response in Papua New Guinea, working alongside community leaders to share information and resources, and to improve water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) facilities.

Through the AHP COVID-19 response in Papua New Guinea, one remote Bougainville primary school now has a toilet and handwashing facilities on site, improving life for both students and teachers.

In partnership with Provincial Health Authorities and AHP NGOs, community leaders in Papua New Guinea are being empowered with correct information on COVID-19 to become advocates for vaccination.

Through pilots of cash and voucher support in Papua New Guinea, Disaster READY partners are improving financial literacy while supporting resilience.

With COVID-19 vaccine mis-information reaching some of the remotest communities in PNG at a rapid pace, AHP partners are working hard to support greater vaccine uptake by building trust and sharing facts.

In Papua New Guinea’s Western Province, COVID-19 outbreaks have impacted the ability of rural communities to travel to town. Through the AHP COVID-19 response, new agricultural methods are supporting food security and resilience in hard-to-reach communities.

The Meri Gat Pawa, Meri Gat Infomesen (Women have Power, Women have Information) partnership is one aspect of the AHP COVID-19 response in PNG and the Autonomous Region of Bougainville. Read how these women are working with Digicel to get COVID-19 information out to as many people as possible.

COVID-19 vaccine resistance in Papua New Guinea is strong, with social media playing a role. AHP partners are tacking mis-information and fake news on a number of levels, including a digital campaign on Facebook.

Australian Humanitarian Partnership (AHP) NGOs have been supporting the COVID-19 response in Papua New Guinea (PNG) since the pandemic was declared in 2020, but are now focusing on supporting the vaccine roll-out and combatting mis-information. This field story looks at the work being undertaken by CAN DO and ABC International Development.

Through Disaster READY, communities in Papua New Guinea’s Central Province have been supported by ChildFund PNG to come up with their own action plans to improve their disaster preparedness. For Molegolo village, a new water catchment will boost resilience to drought.

Communities in Malmal and Riwo in Madang, Papua New Guinea, are seeing the impacts of climate change and coastal erosion in their communities first hand. Here they share their perspectives, and the work they have engaged with under the Disaster READY program.