Strengthening Rural Health Through Local Leadership
Kompiam district is home to more than 100 villages scattered across rugged terrain, steep valleys, and remote mountain communities. Only a small number have immediate access to a health facility. To bridge this gap, Kompiam Hospital began training Village Health Volunteers (VHVs) in 1999, empowering trusted community members with basic health knowledge and practical skills to support their own villages.
Today, the VHV Program remains a cornerstone of rural health in Kompiam, helping ensure that families receive timely advice, early identification of illness, and support for safe motherhood and child health.
What VHVs Do
Village Health Volunteers are selected by their own communities and trained to provide:
- basic first aid
- early recognition of danger signs
- support for pregnant mothers
- child health monitoring
- health education
- referrals to the hospital
- assistance during outreach patrols
VHVs act as the first point of contact for many families, especially in villages far from the hospital or accessible only by foot or air.
Training & Curriculum
Over the years, more than 100 women from across the district have completed VHV training. The curriculum includes:
- Safe Motherhood
- Health Children
- Nutrition and Hygiene
- Recognizing Danger Signs
- Basic First Aid
- Oral Health Education
Refresher courses are conducted when funding allows, helping VHVs maintain skills and stay updated on key health messages.
Partnerships
The VHV Program has grown through strong partnerships and generous support from organizations committed to improving rural health in PNG. Over the years, the program has benefited from:
- birthing kits supplied by Birthing Kit Foundation Australia
- donations from Rotary, Soroptimists, and church groups
- support from Baptist World Aid Australia
- support through Baptist Union of PNG under the Church Partnership Program (CPP) funding from Australia
These partnerships have helped equip VHVs with the tools they need to serve their communities effectively.
Why VHVs Matter
In a district where distance, terrain, and transport challenges limit access to healthcare, VHVs play a vital role in:
- reducing maternal and infant mortality
- improving vaccination coverage
- promoting healthy behaviors
- connecting remote villages to the hospital
- supporting outreach patrols
- strengthening community trust
VHVs are the backbone of community-based health in Kompiam. They serve with dedication, compassion, and deep local knowledge.
Supporting the VHV Program
The VHV Program continues to rely on external funding for training, refresher courses, and supplies. If you would like to support this work, please visit our Donations page.
