With child malnutrition and violence at alarming levels in Papua New Guinea, a new partnership between UNICEF and the Papua New Guinea Council of Churches (PNGCC) aims to bring hope and action to families across the country. UNICEF’s Dr Veera Mendonca says the country is at a tipping point with over 80% of children face violence at home, half are malnourished, and too many lack access to vaccines and basic services. In response, UNICEF and PNGCC have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to mobilize churches nationwide. Through their powerful networks, churches will promote positive parenting, support child nutrition, push for birth registrations, and raise awareness about vital health services.

It’s a faith-led movement to protect and uplift PNG’s most vulnerable — its children. “If we do not act now, this generation will be left behind,” said Dr Mendonca. “But if we invest in them today, this country can build a future full of opportunity.” “Half of all children are malnourished. Eighty-five per cent (85%) experience violence at home. Forty per cent (40%) of sexual violence cases involve children. Only two in 10 progresses to secondary school.

 Vaccination coverage is below 50 per cent (50%). Birth registration is just 13 per cent (13%)," Dr Mendonca said. “These indicators are unacceptable. We must act with urgency.” Churches have a vital role to play in that response, according to Dr Mendonca.

“Wherever you go in PNG — from cities to coastal villages to remote mountain areas — there is a church,” Dr Mendonca said. Churches are trusted.” “They shape attitudes. They can influence behaviors faster and deeper than almost any other institution.” Rev. Roger Joseph, General Secretary of PNGCC, echoed the urgency and the churches’ commitment. “We have a responsibility to care for the wellbeing of our people,” Rev. Joseph said.   “The churches reach every part of the country. We can drive the message that children must be protected and given the opportunity to thrive.” The new Gutpla Pikinini, Gutpla Kantri (Thriving Children, Prosperous Nation) partnership initiative will see targeted workshops with church leaders and community representatives in Port Moresby city, Morobe province and Mt Hagen city. UNICEF will also equip churches with mobile kits to support birth registration efforts and provide technical support on child nutrition, immunization and positive parenting messages. PNGCC — formerly the Melanesian Council of Churches — represents the nation’s major Christian denominations, with a combined membership of 7.8 million people. Its members include the Anglican, Lutheran, Catholic, United, Baptist and Salvation Army churches, supported by 16 associate members and strong interfaith ties. Dr Mendonca said that investing in children now is PNG’s greatest opportunity. “Papua New Guinea has 43 per cent (43%) of its population under 18. This is a gold mine for the future,” she said. “But only if we invest in children now.” “If churches embrace and lead on key messages — children must not be hit, fathers must engage in parenting, every child should be vaccinated, communities must demand better services — we can shift these terrible indicators and give children the futures they deserve." Dr Mendonca said the new partnership built on the Government’s recent move to establish PNG’s first-ever Parliamentary Committee for Children and Youth — a critical step in building national momentum for reforms. “Together with PNGCC and the Government, we can turn this partnership into real progress for children — in 2025 and beyond,” Dr Mendonca said. The partnership will mobilize churches across the country to promote positive parenting, improve child nutrition, increase demand for immunization, and support families to register children at birth. Through workshops, mobile outreach, and trusted community networks, the initiative aims to shift harmful behaviors, increase access to essential services, and help create safer, healthier environments for every child in PNG.