National Population Policy 2015-2024

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By: Solange Ovia

The National Population Policy (NPP) of Papua New Guinea dates back to the 1970s which was based on the census results. This policy (NPP) identifies the population rate of PNG and the aims to educate and promote sustainable development by addressing the population dynamics. The policy consists of two (2) volumes; volume one (1) states the sixteen (16) broad policy goals and the linked between the objectives and strategies. Volume two (2) emphasizes on detailed implementation schedule.

This review will analyze and highlight through the summary of this policy (NPP), discuss its critique of both the strengths and weaknesses, how this policy is integrated to the National Security Policy (NSP) 2013 and develop recommendations.

 Summary

 The policy (NPP) 2015 – 2024 navigates to improve the sectors of health, education and economic opportunities in the country. Furthermore, highlighted in the NPP are the importance of family planning that can achieve a vigorous and educated population. It aims to promote awareness on the significance of population growth management in achieving sustainable development. NPP outlines the connection with national strategies such as Vision 2050 and international framework like Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The document contains of four parts (A, B, C, & D) which are introduction, desired outcomes and general principles, policy goals, objectives and strategies, and framework for implementation. This review will sight the crucial parts that emphasizes on the population affecting PNG.

 Critique

 The strength of this policy is its attempted to reduce fertility behavior and teen-age pregnancy in PNG. Through this, the policy had progressive impacts focusing on health, education and gender equality. For instance, in the health sector health sector this policy had rolled out health initiatives such as launching programs that will aided to improve maternal and child health, as well as reducing mortality rates. This points out the relation between NPP and National Security Policy (NSP) 2013 is the aim to address critical issues that are affects the nation’s stability and development. In part B – 3 states that the general principle reflects and consistent with the five National Goals and Directives Principles of the PNG Constitution.

However, as stated in 3.1 with National Policies and Plans, PNG encountered challenges in its development planning and has long prioritized economic gains through mining, forestry, oil and gas which has overlooked the long term goals such as sustainability and extensive social and environmental and cultural impacts. In alignment with 3.2 With the 1994 International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) family planning should not be linked only with fertility reduction but, significantly with the health of women and their children – reproductive health. Take for example, the increased rate of reproductive tract infections, however, HIV/AIDS has led the focus on sexuality as a factor with direct bearing not only on reproduction but also on women health and their children. This relates to social impacts and calls for a more holistic approach in PNG’s health sector. In part C – objective 3.3 states by the end of 2024 there will be substantial knowledge and understanding of issues relating to the inter-relationships between population and development amongst special target groups (youths both within and outside formal education and women of reproductive age between 15-49) that are part of family planning, Maternal and Child Health (MCH) and reproductive health.

Further, this policy points out certain implementation that has a greater impact on the health reproductive and sustainable development. NPP institutional framework and policy coordination in part A – identified many problems with regard to the policy coordination at the levels of national and sub-national as well as between the government and donor agencies. NPP implementation of strategies in dealing with the population in has somewhat failed despite the achievements. This is due to demography and geographical locations and cultural disruption this may create conflict on traditional or cultural values causing social unrest and resistance.

Outlined in National Research Institute by Sembajwe (2023) the implementation of NPP constrained the effective population policy and program implementation and evaluation, as well as affecting the delivery of quality care and service in health education and other sectors.

Recommendation

To elaborate on in the recommendation, the policy dates back to 2015 to 2024, therefore, the current government should review this policy and improve and implement quality structures or strategies in order to benefit the people both in rural and urban settings. Although the policy emphasized on health, education and social sectors despite the achievements.

In conclusion, NPP is extensive and requires an overall review for adjustment for the purpose of improving health centers, education and social well-being of the people. This will also contribute towards raising awareness of family planning and reduce teenage pregnancy. Although NPP could not possibly unified with NSP, yet these two polies play a crucial role in implementing and sustaining PNG’s development.

Reference

Department of National Planning and Monitoring of Papua New Guinea. (2015). National Population Policy 2015-2024. Retrieved from:

National Population Policy 2015 - 2024 | Papua New Guinea Environment Data Portal

Sembajwe, I. (2013). Demographic trends in Papua New Guinea. Papua New Guinea National Research Institute.

https://pngnri.org/images/Publications/DP130_-_201309_-_Sembajwe_-_Demographic_Trends_in_PNG_2.pdf

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