Papua New Guinea’s Jiwaka Province Launches Comprehensive Support System for GBV and SARV Survivors. PORT MORESBY, PAPUA NEW GUINEA – April 24, 2026 – In the Highlands of Papua New Guinea, a groundbreaking initiative is taking root in Jiwaka Province, aiming to provide a robust support system for survivors of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and Sorcery Accusation-Related Violence (SARV).
The crisis in the region is dire, with a 2024 report by the Papua New Guinea National Research Institute noting 1,039 cases affecting 1,554 people across four provinces. Jiwaka is one of the country’s hotspots, with the true toll likely far higher.
The Provincial Health Authority, in partnership with Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), is working tirelessly to offer safe, confidential, and free care to victims and survivors, while also bolstering essential health services. From September to December 2025, MSF conducted training sessions for 164 health workers, enhancing clinical skills and ensuring more consistent and safer care.
Additionally, health talk sessions reached 1,998 people, while village health volunteers conducted nearly 150 community sessions, impacting 2,239 individuals.
The Minj family support centre, opened in September 2025, serves as a critical bridge from initial medical care to follow-up assistance, particularly for survivors of rape or severe assault.
The establishment of this support system in Jiwaka Province underscores the province’s commitment to combating GBV and SARV. It also highlights the importance of community engagement and the empowerment of local volunteers, like Yen and Joice, who are instrumental in reaching survivors and providing them with the care and support they desperately need.
As the initiative continues to evolve, it offers hope for a future where survivors can seek help without fear and find the resources necessary to rebuild their lives.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: reliefweb
Source: Médecins Sans Frontières
