PAPUA NEW GUINEA: Don Bosco Technical School Gabutu hosts medical clinic for 500 people
Event celebrates anniversary of technical school
PAPUA NEW GUINEA
(MissionNewswire) Don Bosco Technical School Gabutu, located in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, held a free medical care clinic for more than 500 members of the local community. Community members received medical consultations, dental check-ups, health screenings and glasses. The event was part of the 41st anniversary celebrations of the technical school.
Six healthcare teams participated in the event, including Living Light Health Services, St. Theresa Urban Clinic, Lamana Dental Clinic, the YWAM Medical Ships, the Papua New Guinea University of Medicine and the Glorious Medical Center. Co-ordinated by Michael Wesleyaki with staff and students, the initiative brought together professionals and the community in a spirit of service and solidarity.
A Salesian said, “We know that the population we serve needs more than access to education. It’s why Salesians aim to provide support for the whole person through social programs like a free medical clinic for those in need. A healthy community contributes to a thriving community.”
Papua New Guinea has a population of approximately 7.5 million people. It is a resource-rich country with oil, gas and gold reserves, as well as fertile land capable of producing high crop yields. Despite this, an estimated 40% of Papua New Guineans live below the poverty line of $1.25 per day, according to the World Bank.
Close to 50% of adults are illiterate and 25% of children are unable to attend school in Papua New Guinea. Part of the problem with getting to school, work and hospitals has to do with the country’s infrastructure. In rural areas, where nearly 88% of the population resides, there are few roads or means of transportation to get to schools or places of employment.
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Sources:
ANS Photo (usage permissions and guidelines must be requested from ANS)
Salesian Missions – Papua New Guinea
World Bank – Papua New Guinea Poverty
