In rural PNG, the mortality rate in childbirth is 1:7, with a maternal mortality rate of 3 in every 1,000 live births. The need for aid here is excellent. From the first 100 Birthing Kits distributed, we saw a significant reduction in maternal and infant deaths.
Initially supporting the villages of Kavataria, Mokosaida and Oyabia (2,000 people), Caring for Kiriwina has been able to expand Birthing Kit distribution to not only the villages of Kwemtula, Osaisuya, Gumilababa, Oyuveyova, Teiyava and Tukwaukwa (nearly 5,000 more people). We now distribute birthing kits across the entire Island of Kiriwina approximately Fifty-five thousand people, including outlying Islands. We also spread to the VBA’s mobiles and top-ups, kerosene lanterns, torches, warm clothing and aspirators and much more.
Each Birthing Kit also includes a Birth Certificate form, as the PNG Government does not officially keep birth records.
The Village Birth Attendants (VBAs), who use the Birthing Kits, require continued training in using the Kits. We are also fundraising to organise trainers from Australia to continue providing free training for these volunteers.
Please donate CLICK HERE
The bee’s knees of DISPOSABLE BIRTHING KITS
We have created a network of dedicated volunteers to help in the ongoing packing and distribution of disposable Birthing Kits. Any donations will be used to purchase contents, freight to the Island, warm jackets for the midwives, kerosene for the lamps, and keeping the mobile accounts for our constant communication with the Island in credit.
HOW DO BIRTHING KITS WORK?
A Birthing Kit works by providing the seven cleans for a clean birth:
- Clean birth site – preventing delivery onto the floor
- Clean hands – to prevent the birth attendant from transmitting germs to the mother and baby
- Clean ties – to prevent bleeding from the umbilical cord for mother and baby.
- Clean razor – to reduce infection caused by other implements
- Clean gauze – to wipe away birth canal secretions from the eyes to decrease future eye infections
- Clean umbilical cord – washing and drying the stumps prevents infection
- Clean perineum
THE CONTENTS OF A KIRIWINA BIRTHING KIT
1m x 1m bedding sheet for the mother to lie on
A piece of soap
Two gloves
Three gauze squares
Three cord ties or two clamps
1 Sterile scalpel blade.
Two heavy-flow reusable sanitary pads
One wipe
One pair of underwear
1 Birth Certificate translated into Kiriwinan
All are contained in a small wet bag to transport sanitary pads discretely.
It is sealed with an instruction sticker translated into Kiriwinan.
Photo of the Caring for Kiriwina birthing kit content below.
Photo of our wonderful Caring for Kiriwina Village Birth Attendants above.
Some of the mothers and babies that have been delivered by our CFK Village Birth Attendants above
We have strict rules on the disposal of the kits and have supplied mobile phones to allow direct communication with the VBAs who make regular reports.
We supply over 275 CFK Village Birth Attendants from all villages across the Island, including Kavataria, Mulosaida, Kwemtula, Osesuia, Oyuvayova, Tukwaukwa, Wabutuma, Luya, Bwetalu, Loubuwa, Siviyagila, Kudukweikela, Kepwapu, Kuluwa, Buduweilaka.
We have also supplied CFK midwife uniforms.
Thank you to the midwife co-ordinators: Ruth, Lois, Florence, Dorothy, Dulcie, Dorin and Roda
In-Country managers: Toks Bwaina and Lepani Ahab, and Mr Ariston Pesiana.
All this life saving work could not have been achieved without the help of the DFAT Friendship Grant and our Volunteers, Sponsors and Donors. Thank you!!!
Caring for Kiriwina is supported by the Australian Government.
Please Donate. Click here
