Why children in Papua New Guinea need your help

Papua New Guinea has a very young population, with considerable problems affecting children and families. High unemployment, poor infrastructure and the sheer inaccessibility of many parts of the country make progress incredibly difficult.

Around 85 per cent of Papua New Guineans live in rural areas with few or no facilities, and there are more than 700 native languages spoken, making the communication of health advice a huge task.

Health, sanitation and nutrition are among the major issues impacting children, as well as the alarmingly high HIV and AIDS infection rate, with diagnoses increasing by around 30 per cent annually since 1997, and an estimated 64,000 Papua New Guineans living with the disease in 2005. High levels of violence against women, erratic condom use and a lack of access to prevention education contribute to the growing epidemic.

Malaria is one of the leading causes of illness and death among children in Papua New Guinea. Prevention and awareness measures are essential if the disease is to be halted, in line with the Millennium Development Goals.

Country facts

Papua New Guinea consumes the eastern half of the island of New Guinea. The country was divided between Germany (north) and the UK (south) in 1884, and the south placed under the authority of Australia in 1902.

Australia occupied the north during World War I and continued to administer the nation until independence was gained in 1975. A nine-year secessionist revolt on the island of Bougainville ended in 1997, after claiming 20,000 lives.

Over the past decade earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, floods, droughts and killer frosts have resulted in a loss of lives, displacement of families, destruction of crops, property and livelihoods and disruption to social services, such as health and education.

• Population: 6.1 million
• Capital: Port Moresby
• Major languages: English (official), Pidgin, Motu, indigenous languages
• Major religions: Christianity, indigenous religions
• Life expectancy: 60 years for men; 64 years for women