A community health post has opened at Mondia, right at the border of Usino Bundi in Madang Province and Simbu Province (Papua New Guinea), offering vital medical services to previously underserved communities. The project was initiated by Kuman District director Pastor Pius Gerry and his wife, Bettsy, and was officially opened mid-October.
The opening ceremony was attended by several key leaders, including Eastern Highlands Simbu Mission health director Thomas Hawayang and Simbu Provincal Health Authority (SiPHA) Public Health director Arnold Marme. Speaking at the event, Mr Marme expressed his gratitude: “On behalf of the SiPHA I thank the Seventh-day Adventist Church, especially the Kuman District, for such an initiative. This service will benefit many.”
He then cut the ribbon to formally open the aid post.
Before the facility was established, villagers from Mondia and surrounding areas had to travel more than 100 kilometres, often navigating rugged terrain and rivers, just to access basic medical care. The journey could take several hours on foot or by limited transport, posing serious risks for children, the elderly and the sick. The new health post now brings essential services directly to the community, significantly reducing travel hardships and saving lives.
Today, the aid post is fully operational. While SiPHA provides official health administration, the facility is run in partnership with Adventist Mission.