Achieving selfreliance, health and quality of life in Papua New Guinea’s Western Province communities

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WaSH Workshop Equips 17 Participants to Become Community Health Trainers

Western Provincial Health Authority Public Health Manager and Acting South Fly District Health Manager, Mr Segela Gagole (Middle) addressing the community of Gii village.

Seventeen participants have successfully completed a five-day Community Led Total Sanitation (CLTS) training workshop. The CLTS training will be the foundation that will enable the participants to work towards achieving the Healthy Island Concept in the communities they will be engaged in the future. The training was jointly delivered by the Ok Tedi Development Foundation (OTDF) and the Western Provincial Health Authority from 29 June to 3 July 2026. The training was facilitated by government health professionals with expertise in the CLTS and community health approaches, equipping participants with the skills and knowledge required to support healthier communities and promote improved sanitation outcomes across Western Province.

Western Provincial Health Authority Public Health Manager and Acting South Fly District Health Manager, Mr Segela Gagole, said one of the biggest challenges facing development programs was sustainability. He noted that many projects implemented by development partners in the past had struggled to deliver long-term benefits because communities had not fully taken ownership of them.

Mr Gagole commended OTDF for adopting a different approach through its WaSH program, which encourages communities to take responsibility for the services and infrastructure provided. He said this model would contribute significantly to the long-term sustainability of health initiatives.

He also stressed the importance of partnerships and collaboration, noting that the WaSH program aligns with the Papua New Guinea National Health Plan (2021–2030).

“Maintaining stronger cooperation between OTDF, the Western Provincial Health Authority, and district health services is essential to addressing serious health challenges in Western Province, including high infant and maternal mortality rates,’’ Mr. Gagole stressed.

Reflecting on the week-long training, he described it as an important opportunity to identify challenges and develop practical solutions.

“Community health education is a critical tool for driving behavioural change and improving sanitation outcomes.”

A key component of the workshop was a community triggering exercise conducted by Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WaSH) team at Gii Village. The activity aimed to encourage improved sanitation practices, strengthen hygiene awareness and support the community’s progress towards Open Defecation Free (ODF) status.

The community engagement attracted 110 participants, including 41 men, 36 women and 33 children. Following introductory remarks from community leaders, residents took part in a range of Community-Led Total Sanitation (CLTS) activities, from a transect walk to community planning exercises. The assessment revealed that of the village’s 133 households, 122 had toilets, representing a toilet coverage rate of 91.7 per cent, while 11 households remained without sanitation facilities.

The findings prompted a strong community response, with residents unanimously committing to end open defecation, improve hygiene practices, construct toilets for households without facilities and achieve ODF status within the next three months.

Village Planning Committee Chairman for Gii and Associate Director on the OTDF Board, Mr Nathan Samuel, thanked OTDF, the Western Provincial Health Authority and all participants for their contribution to the training. He described the program as a valuable learning experience that effectively combined classroom-based learning with practical community engagement.

According to Mr Samuel, the training has equipped participants with the confidence and capacity to apply their new skills within their own communities. While acknowledging that there were challenges throughout the training, he said the knowledge gained would help address important sanitation issues in the future.

Mr Samuel noted that while progress had been achieved in South Fly and Middle Fly, North Fly had yet to secure any ODF-certified communities. He challenged participants and community leaders to use their newly acquired knowledge to identify and support communities capable of achieving certification, particularly in the North Fly region.

“North Fly hasn’t been awarded any ODF certification. So, with this training, it is a challenge for these participants here. We have gained this experience, and we call out to the communities, making sure that we identify one of the communities to be certified with ODF certification. In order to achieve this, we will need partnership, cooperation, and a change of mindset in our communities and our leaders so that we will achieve the outcome that we want to achieve.”

Speaking at the closing ceremony, OTDF Acting Chief Executive Officer Mr Johanis Saferius outlined the background and purpose of the organisation’s WaSH program. He explained that health interventions/programs implemented between 2010 and 2018 by the Provincial Government, OTML and OTDF led to significant improvements in health outcomes across Western Province. However, when funding ended, health indicators began to decline, highlighting the need for sustained, community-driven health programs.

To address this issue, OTDF introduced the WaSH program as a preventative health initiative focused on empowering communities to take ownership of sanitation, hygiene and health practices. The program has concentrated largely on communities in the Middle Fly and South Fly districts, where many villages depend on river systems and have been affected by mining-related environmental changes. Few communities have already achieved ODF certification, but funding constraints have limited further expansion of the program.

Mr Saferius said the WaSH initiative aligns with district, provincial and national WaSH policies and seeks stronger partnerships with government agencies and development partners. He described the CLTS training as a groundbreaking initiative and congratulated participants for becoming the first cohort to complete the program.

He emphasised that lasting improvements in community health depend not only on infrastructure investment but also on personal responsibility, collective action and positive behavioural change. As newly trained participants were challenged to share their knowledge and become catalysts for change within their communities.

““Getting a certificate is not an achievement now. The real achievement is imparting the knowledge and skills and changing another person in the community. So, I challenge you all, participants who are getting a certificate, go and impart what you have learned and make a positive change by putting what you have learned into action.”

The workshop concluded with the presentation of certificates and Training Manuals from WPHA to all 17 participants in recognition of their successful completion of the training and their commitment to improving sanitation and public health outcomes throughout Western Province.

Baidowa Village receive ODF Certification

Health, Infrastructure Development, South Fly, Training

Baidowa villagers & development partners stand united after unveiling the billboard announcing the ODF status

Community members from Baidowa Village in the Suki Fly Gogo Trust Region in South Fly came together in a vibrant display of culture and unity to celebrate the village’s declaration as an Open Defecation Free (ODF) community under the Community-Led Total Sanitation (CLTS) program.

The certification ceremony, held on 17 June 2026, was witnessed by representatives from the health workers, Ok Tedi Development Foundation (OTDF), and members of the Baidowa community. The event was marked by traditional songs, dances, and role plays that highlighted the daily challenges communities once faced due to poor sanitation practices and the positive transformation that has taken place since the introduction of improved sanitation facilities.

Villagers of all ages participated in the celebrations, using drama and storytelling to depict the health risks associated with open defecation and the importance of maintaining proper hygiene standards. Through the performances, elders, women, youth and children demonstrated how collective action and behavioural change have contributed to creating a cleaner and healthier environment for everyone.

The declaration followed a successful verification process conducted by health authorities, confirming that every household in the village now has access to and uses improved sanitation facilities. A key component of the CLTS intervention was the construction and use of Ventilated Improved Pit (VIP) latrines for individual households which falls in the last stages of the CLTS process from Pre – Triggering, Triggering and Post – Triggering. The completion of the VIP latrines served as one of the major indicators for achieving ODF status after all the stages are satisfactorily completed. A total of 53 Household has successfully completed their VIP latrines.

The certification documents were formally signed during the ceremony by representatives from the Western Provincial Health Authority and OTDF. OTDF Manager Program Services Sustainable, Moses Kalup, signed as a witness to the certification and congratulated the community on reaching the important milestone.

“This ceremony marks a new beginning for Baidowa,” Mr Kalup said.

“Let this celebration be a reminder that lasting change only comes when everyone works together. The sustainability of the ODF concept will continue when the community takes ownership and remains committed to maintaining the standards that have been achieved.”

Mr Kalup acknowledged the effort and commitment shown by the people of Baidowa throughout the process, describing the achievement as a reflection of strong community leadership and participation.

Baidowa has now become the fourth village within the Community Mine Continuation Agreement (CMCA) region to attain ODF status through the OTDF WaSH Program, demonstrating the growing impact of sanitation and hygiene initiatives across Western Province.

OTDF WaSH Program Team Leader Michale Koini said the achievement was the result of months of planning, community engagement and hard work by all stakeholders involved.

“Programs like this do not end with launchings or certifications,” the Team Leader said.

“From experience, projects do not get approved and implemented overnight. They require dedication, patience and strong community support. We thank the people of Baidowa for their commitment from start to finish.”

Mr. Koini encouraged the community to continue practising good sanitation and hygiene behaviours and to ensure future generations maintain the standards established through the program.

The celebration concluded with traditional feasting, cultural performances and messages of encouragement from community leaders, who pledged to safeguard the village’s ODF status and promote healthy living practices throughout the community.

For the people of Baidowa, the certification represents more than just improved sanitation infrastructure. It symbolises a shared commitment to protecting community health, preserving dignity and creating a cleaner environment for future generations.

With strong community ownership and ongoing support from health authorities and development partners, Baidowa is setting an example for other villages across the region to follow on their journey towards improved sanitation and healthier communities.

Women and Children secure permanent building for office

Economic Development, Middle Fly, North Fly

Property owners and development partners after the signing at the OTDF office car park.

Another step ahead for two local women & children associations after securing a property in the township of Kiunga, marking a new era of empowerment, collaboration, and community development for women and children across the Wai Tri Trust and Middle Fly region.

The Nima Ara Women and Children Association and the Middle Fly Women and Children Association successfully signed the contract of sale and title transfer documents with the vendor to secure the property which will serve as their official office and operational headquarters.

The acquisition represents more than just property ownership—it secures a stronger future for women and children in the region. From this new base, the associations will expand programs, strengthen support services, and create a safe, accessible space for those in need.

For many years, both associations have demonstrated untiring commitment to uplifting women and children, despite operating under constraints such as limited resources and a lack of permanent infrastructure. The vision of establishing a dedicated space to coordinate programs, deliver services, and advocate for vulnerable groups has long been a central goal.

That vision has now become a reality.

Located in Kiunga, the newly acquired property represents a turning point for both associations. Upon completion of the final documentation and title transfer processes, the facility will officially become their shared home—providing a centralised hub for program coordination, training, advocacy, and service delivery.

President of the Middle Fly Women and Children Association, Mrs. Charlotte Mathews, also expressed her appreciation to all who supported the process.

“This achievement belongs to everyone who believed in our vision. We sincerely thank all individuals and partners who contributed in any way to make this purchase possible,” she said.

Mrs. Mathews extended special recognition to Ok Tedi Development Foundation (OTDF) for its active role throughout the process, particularly in documentation, and ensuring a smooth and lawful transaction. She also acknowledged Legal Counsel Lawyer Andrew Kuria of Kuria , whose legal expertise ensured the acquisition complied fully with all legal requirements.

President of the Nima Ara Women and Children Association, Ms. Ruth Ukins, conveyed her gratitude to the property owner, Pastor Irele Yoka, for his support and consideration.

“We truly appreciate that you gave us priority over larger companies that could have outbid us. Your gesture is deeply valued for giving local women the opportunity to purchase this property,” she said.

Ms. Ukins further acknowledged Pastor Yoka’s willingness to hold the property lease during the process, enabling the associations to mobilise resources and successfully complete the purchase.

Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Ok Tedi Development Foundation (OTDF), Mr. Johanis Saferius, congratulated both associations on this landmark achievement, acknowledging the challenges they have overcome.

“Running an association has its challenges, and having an office to operate from is an important need that has now been fulfilled. This is a decade-long goal that was achieved on 15 June when the property was secured from owner Pastor Irele Yoka,” he said.

Mr. Saferius commended the persistence and resilience demonstrated by the associations’ leadership and members over the years. “ This office gives prominence to the existence of the associations and gives easy access to association members to seek support.

Both associations also extended their sincere appreciation to partners and community members whose financial, logistical, and moral support made this milestone possible.

This achievement not only signifies progress for both associations but also reinforces a shared commitment to improving the well being of women and children.

This landmark development stands as a testament to resilience, partnership, and purpose—ushering in a new chapter built on hope, stability, and opportunity for generations to come.