However, we faced a significant challenge due to the lack of flights to the island, which resulted in substantial travel and security costs. But, we are grateful that the essential donations finally arrived, and it calls for a celebration!
🤔We would like to know, what is being done to resume flights to Kiriwina? Let’s work together to ensure that the island gets the support it needs. 💪
Today, we are honouring the ANZACs who served on Kirwina during World War II. We want to express our gratitude to the Diggers for constructing the Losuia airport strip, which has remained the most crucial piece of infrastructure on Kiriwina. Unfortunately, the airport remains closed to in-country flights, making it almost impossible to reach the Island without risking your life on a two-day, potentially life-threatening sea journey. Let us never forget the sacrifices made by these brave individuals and reopen the airport.
Lest we forget.
Not forgotten nor forsaken
Are the lads no longer here;
I shall call-and you will waken
On this one day of the year from Landing in the Dawn
John Sandes 1916
KIRIWINA, TROBRIAND ISLANDS, PAPUA. 1944-01-31. A KITTYHAWK AIRCRAFT OF NO. 76 SQUADRON RAAF UNDERGOING MAJOR MAINTENANCE BY MEMBERS OF NO. 12 REPAIR AND SALVAGE UNIT RAAF BEHIND THE BATTLE LINE AT KIRIWINA, UNDER A CANOPY ERECTED AS SHELTER FROM THE TROPICAL SUN. THE SAME AIRCRAFT IS ALSO SEEN IN AWM PHOTOGRAPHS 0G0620 AND OG0621. KIRIWINA, TROBRIAND ISLANDS, PAPUA. C. 1943-11-30. AN INFORMAL GROUP PORTRAIT OF MEMBERS OF NO. 6 MOBILE WORKS SQUADRON RAAF TAKEN ON THE DECK OF THE SHIP JUST BEFORE DEPARTURE FROM KIRIWINA TO NADZAB BY USA LCTS (LANDING CRAFT, TANK). Images c/o the Australian War Memorial of Kiriwina Island, Trobriand Islands, Papua. August 1943. British built Bristol Beaufighter aircraft of No. 30 Squadron RAAF on Kiriwina airfield. Photographer: Robinson, William H
Yesterday, we remembered the great Rev Dr. Ralph Lawton on the third anniversary of his passing. His contributions to the world and the Kiriwinan people will never be forgotten. It’s also been a year since the Kiriwinan’s organised a beautiful celebration of his life. Check out this short video of the event at LAWTON DAY 2023 – THE MOVIE – Caring For Kiriwina Ltd. Let’s honour his legacy by continuing to spread love and kindness in our communities.
We are extremely grateful for the continuous support from Pharmacist Jodi and the team at Pharmacy Select Balgowlah. Their generosity will make a huge difference to the people of Kiriwina, a community in need of basic drugs. We are pleased to announce that the donations have already been dispatched to Kiriwina. Thank you again Pharmacy Select, for your kind and thoughtful contribution to this worthy cause!
We are thrilled to announce that we have sent another wonderful collection of 100 baby knits to Kiriwina! We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to Sandy Reid, who acted as the intermediary, and the talented knitters from Belrose Country Club and Willandra Village. These knitted items are in high demand on Kiriwina and will be treasured by those who receive them. We are all proud to continue our efforts to make a positive impact in the world, one stitch at a time.
Great news from Kiriwina! Thanks to the amazing collaboration between the CFK VBA network and Losuia Health Centre, a potentially risky birth situation with retained placenta was successfully averted. The quick response and efficient work of our CFK VBAs, CHP Sinaketa, and the Losuia Health Centre ensured a safe delivery for the mother and baby boy, pictured above. A big shoutout to everyone involved for their hard work and dedication!
Also featured below, to the left Healthy Newborn babies @LHC DOB 29.02.24 and female @LHC DOB 23.02.24 to right assisted by CFK and the LHC. Congratulations all!!!
The Caring for Kiriwina (CFK) Village Birth Attendant program provides vital maternal and newborn healthcare services to the remote communities of Kiriwina Island in Papua New Guinea. The program’s coordinator has been tirelessly working to receive birth reports, visit health villages, and distribute donations to support the CFK’s good works.
Images are of recently birthed, baby boys who were born at Losuia Health Centre between the 15th and the 18th of this month, and they received much-needed donations from the CFK program. These donations will help provide essential items like birthing kits, knitted clothing, and other necessary supplies for the new mothers and her babies.
The CFK program aims to reduce maternal and infant mortality rates by providing support to the village birth attendants and necessary supplies to remote communities where access to healthcare is limited. The program trains local women to become birth attendants who can provide essential maternal and newborn care services, including antenatal care, safe delivery, and postnatal care.
The CFK program has been successful in reducing maternal and infant mortality rates and improving the overall health outcomes of the communities it serves. The program’s coordinator is working hard to ensure that the program continues to provide essential services to the remote communities of Kiriwina Island.
Caring for Kiriwina (CFK) Village Birth Attendant program is making a significant impact on maternal and newborn health outcomes in remote communities of Kiriwina Island. The program’s coordinator, Bokawau, is doing an exceptional job of providing essential services and distributing much-needed donations to support the CFK’s good works. The CFK program is a shining example of how local solutions can provide life-saving healthcare services to those in need.
Despite the increased cost of transportation due to the lack of flights, more donations have safely arrived on Kiriwina. This journey is not an easy one! From medical supplies to birthing kits and dignity kits to pencils for exams, every contribution can make a difference in the lives of the women and children on Kiriwina. Let’s celebrate every donation that makes it safely to Kiriwina and continue to support the people of Kiriwina in any way we can and thank our wonderful sponsors and donors who made this all possible!!!