Reference Material

PNG and Australia reproductive health indicators

Structured educational and archival material is presented here with calmer table styling, clearer illustrations, and improved vertical rhythm.

Decorative archive image

The Australian Reproductive Health Alliance runs an international program to further the aims of the ICPD by working in partnership with Pacific Island NGOs on public education programs on reproductive health, reproductive rights and sexuality education. Support has been proved to several Pacific countries but the main focus has been in Papua New Guinea, which along with Solomon Islands has the poorest reproductive status in the Pacific region. Women's literacy is low, maternal mortality high, contraceptive prevalence low and domestic violence is common. HIV/AIDS is increasing rapidly in Papua New Guinea with new cases being diagnosed daily in the highlands.

The international program has recently received funding for a number of small projects in different areas of reproductive health.

The three year grant from the David and Lucile Packard Foundation has the following objectives:

  • To promote knowledge, education and research, paying attention to the needs of indigenous people, both within Australia and internationally.
  • To identify and support specific development projects which promote reproductive health and enhance the status of women and girls, in the Pacific Islands.
  • To conduct a Pacific Regional Workshop on expanding men's roles and participation in reproductive health.
  • To develop in close consultation with partners, projects based on careful needs analysis and management of the implementation, monitoring and reporting of field projects in the Pacific Islands.
  • To develop a comprehensive international program strategy for ARHA.
  • To promote public support for the improvement in the well-being and status of women and in the reproductive health of individuals and families.

PNG and Australia reproductive health indicators

PNG Australia
Total Population 5.7 million 20 million
Projected Population 2050 11.1 million 25.6 Million
Total fertility rate (2000-2005) 4.09 1.7
Maternal mortality rate (per 100 000 live births) 486 7
Percentage illiterate (> 15 years) 29(m) 43(f) 0
Births per 1000 women aged 15-19 67 16
Contraceptive prevalence (any method) 26 76
Contraceptive prevalence (modern method) 20 72
Source: UNFPA

PNG

Australia

Total Population

5.7 million

20 million

Projected Population 2050

11.1 million

25.6 Million

Total fertility rate (2000-2005)

4.09

1.7

Maternal mortality rate
(per 100 000 live births)

486

7

Percentage illiterate (> 15 years)

29(m) 43(f)

0

Births per 1000 women aged 15-19

67

16

Contraceptive prevalence (any method)

26

76

Contraceptive prevalence (modern method)

20

72

Source: UNFPA