MATERNAL HEALTH
Helpim Mama
Trained to spot danger early. Ready to get her to care in time.
Helpim Mama trains Village Birth Attendants and Village Health Assistants across East Sepik Province to recognise the warning signs of a complicated pregnancy, and to support women on the journey to a health facility for the birth itself.
THE CHALLENGE
Help can be hours away.
In remote communities across East Sepik Province, many women live hours from the nearest health facility — some reachable only by river or on foot. Without someone trained to recognise the early signs of a complication, a manageable problem can become a life-threatening emergency before help ever arrives.
215 x
PNG’s maternal mortality rate is over 215 times higher than Australia’s.
Source: WHO, 2023
42%
of births in rural PNG are not attended by a skilled health worker.
Source: DHS PNG
WHAT WE DO
A trained companion,
from before the first danger sign.
VBAs and VHAs are trained to spot the early danger signs of pregnancy, labour and the postpartum period.
They accompany and support women on the journey to the nearest aid post, health centre or hospital.
They build trust and confidence to encourage women and their families in the village to seek care at a facility.
Clean birth kits and essential supplies mean a trained volunteer can respond quickly and safely in case of an emergency birth in the village.
Our Impact
215 x
PNG’s maternal mortality rate is over 215 times higher than Australia’s.
Source: WHO, 2023
215 x
PNG’s maternal mortality rate is over 215 times higher than Australia’s.
Source: WHO, 2023
215 x
PNG’s maternal mortality rate is over 215 times higher than Australia’s.
Source: WHO, 2023
A story from the field
UIherpiuewproijwerpv
215 x
PNG’s maternal mortality rate is over 215 times higher than Australia’s.
Source: WHO, 2023
Help train the next Village Birth Attendant.
Every donation helps extend a trained, trusted referral pathway to another remote village.