Publications
Summary of publication
The “Saving Lives, Spreading Smiles” program aimed to reduce preventable maternal and newborn deaths in Papua New Guinea (PNG) by focusing on active monitoring of labour (particularly third stage), preventing and managing post-partum haemorrhage and providing post-natal care for mother and baby. The program was delivered over 2 phases, commencing in 2015 and concluding in 2021.
The purpose of the review was to assess the effectiveness and sustainability of the program against expected outcomes and to inform health planning by the PNG National Department of Health, Provincial Health Authorities and District Health Facilities.
The review found that addressing early essential new-born care (EENC) contributed to the reduction of maternal and newborn mortality. The program was cost-effective as it used low-cost interventions during and post-delivery. Partnerships with professional associations and clinical teams at national level resulted in the integration of EENC into in-service and pre-service training curriculum. However, while effective, EENC was only available to women who give birth in health facilities and capacity building was focused on high-volume delivery facilities, limiting the reach of EENC interventions.
Full publication
- Review of Saving Lives, Spreading Smiles [Word 1.1 MB]
- Review of Saving Lives, Spreading Smiles [PDF 1.2 MB]
DFAT Management Response
DFAT broadly agrees with the recommendations of the review, noting some recommendations were either beyond the scope of the current program or relate to future investments which will be subject to the framing of DFAT’s next health portfolio plan for PNG.