Health Promotion
HEALTH PROMOTION PROGRAM
Empowering Communities for Better Health and Well-being in the National Capital District
What is the Health Promotion Program?
The Health Promotion Program, an integral part of the NCD Provincial Health Authority’s efforts, is dedicated to empowering individuals and communities within the National Capital District (NCD) to take greater control over their own health and the factors that influence it (known as health determinants). The ultimate goal is to sustainably improve the overall health and well-being of the population before illness occurs, achieved through a variety of targeted program interventions. Unlike curative medicine which focuses on treating disease, health promotion focuses on maintaining and improving health, preventing illness, and building healthier environments and lifestyles for everyone. The program recognizes that health is not just the absence of disease, but a state of physical, mental, and social well-being, and works to address the broad range of factors that contribute to health outcomes in the community.
Key Benefits
- Empowering Individuals and Communities: Provides people with the knowledge, skills, and confidence they need to make informed decisions about their health, adopt healthier behaviours, and actively participate in creating healthier environments for themselves and their families.
- Improving Health Outcomes: By focusing on prevention and addressing the root causes of ill-health (determinants like lifestyle, environment, and knowledge), the program directly contributes to reducing the incidence of many preventable diseases, improving overall quality of life, and increasing life expectancy.
- Increased Health Awareness: Raises public understanding of critical health issues relevant to the NCD community, including common diseases, risk factors, healthy practices, and available health services. This awareness is crucial for early detection, timely care-seeking, and preventing the spread of infectious diseases.
- Building a Healthier Community: Creates a supportive environment where healthy choices are easier choices. It strengthens social networks, encourages collective action on health issues, and reduces health disparities within the district.
- Supporting Primary Healthcare: Health promotion complements clinical services by reducing the demand on curative care through prevention. It also makes individuals more receptive to clinical advice regarding vaccination, treatment adherence, and managing chronic conditions.
- Addressing Multiple Health Challenges: The program covers a broad spectrum of health issues, ensuring a holistic approach that tackles communicable diseases, growing rates of non-communicable diseases, maternal and child health challenges, and mental health stigma, all within the local context.
Services Offered
Our core services are focused on delivering health information, education, and awareness directly to the people and communities in the National Capital District through various channels:
- Community-Based Awareness Campaigns & Activities:We conduct regular awareness sessions, workshops, and public talks in communities, settlements, schools, and health facilities. They aim to reach people where they live, learn, and seek care, delivering key health messages directly.
- Development and Distribution of Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) Materials:We create and disseminate a variety of materials, such as brochures, posters, leaflets, fact sheets, and potentially multimedia content, tailored to local health issues and cultural contexts. These resources provide clear, easy-to-understand information on health topics and preventive practices.
- Support for National and Global Health Events:The program actively supports and participates in the commemoration of key health events like PNG Health Week and various World Health Organization (WHO) designated days (e.g., World AIDS Day, World Malaria Day, World Mental Health Day). This involves organizing specific campaigns, events, and awareness drives during these periods to highlight particular health challenges.
- Targeted Outreach Programs:District coordinators and health promotion teams conduct specific outreach visits to settlements, schools, and health facilities to deliver tailored awareness sessions. This targeted approach helps to reach vulnerable populations.
- Focus Area Education and Promotion:While promoting general health and well-being, the program has specific focus areas based on the major health challenges identified in the NCD. Services within these areas include providing education and promoting preventive behaviours related to:
- Maternal & Child Health (e.g., antenatal care, nutrition, breastfeeding, child development)
- Communicable Diseases (e.g., hygiene, sanitation, preventing the spread of infections like TB, malaria, STIs)
- Non-Communicable Diseases (e.g., healthy diet, physical activity, risks of tobacco and alcohol, managing conditions like diabetes and hypertension)
- Immunization (emphasizing the importance and benefits of vaccination for all age groups)
- Mental Health (e.g., reducing stigma, promoting coping strategies, recognizing signs of distress, where to seek help)
- General Public Health Awareness (covering a wide range of relevant health topics)
How to Access Services
The services of the Health Promotion Program are primarily accessed through participation in public activities and events organized by the NCD Provincial Health Authority’s Public Health teams.
- Attend Community Health Events: Look out for announcements regarding health awareness sessions, workshops, and community gatherings organized in your local settlement, school, or community centre.
- Visit Participating Health Facilities: Information materials and brief awareness messages may be available or delivered at the health facilities involved in the program’s outreach efforts. While you won’t necessarily receive a direct service like a consultation, these locations are points of contact for information. The facilities mentioned include:
- 6 Mile Clinic
- St Therese Urban Clinic
- Lawes Road Urban Clinic
- Kaugere Urban Clinic
- Engage with School Programs: If you are a student, parent, or teacher, participate in the health promotion activities conducted within schools.
- Look for Public Awareness Campaigns: Pay attention to public messaging through billboards (like those mentioned at Lawes Road Clinic and other locations), radio announcements, or other media channels that the program might use to disseminate information.
- Contact Local Health Centres: For information about upcoming health promotion activities in your specific area or district, you may inquire at your nearest health centre or clinic within the National Capital District.
Resources & Downloads
PNG National Department of Health (NDoH)