ExxonMobil PNG (EMPNG), operator of the PNG LNG project, has provided K50,000 in support of the upcoming 2015 medical symposium.
For the first time in the Medical Symposium's 50 years, the Women Doctors Association (WDA) of PNG are hosting the 51st Annual Medical Symposium, that will be held at the Gateway Hotel in Port Moresby from the 30 August to 2 September.
This year's theme Advancing Women’s Health Through Innovation aims to provide a platform to help address the current status of Women's Health issues in Papua New Guinea.
Women in PNG are particularly disadvantaged, as evidenced by poor maternal health and lack of access to family planning. The PNG National Department of Health estimates that at least five women die in childbirth every day.
In presenting the cheque, EMPNG Deputy Production Manager, Dale Pittman said EMPNG is pleased to support this important conference that brings together health practitioners to discuss key health topics covering a wide range of women's health issues.
"Events like this symposium provide a unique opportunity to help shape and influence future health care policies," he said.
"EMPNG's support recognises the important role WDA plays in advancing and advocating on behalf of its members, the health sector and community."
WDA founding member, Dr Nora Dai, when thanking Dale Pittman said it welcomed EMPNG coming on board with this timely support.
"WDA acknowledges and is encouraged by this support of EMPNG as it is in line with global trends to address issues of gender disparity, empowerment and advancement of woman.
"This includes the right of women and girls to enjoy the highest level of healthcare," she said.
"This year's theme focuses on women's health as we believe that in addressing women's health, we also address the health of the nation at large, hence our vision 'Healthy Women, Healthy Nation'."
Since 1968 the symposium has brought local and international Health Professionals, Development Agencies, medical students, business houses and the Government policy and decision makers to present and discuss Papers from a range of issues such as Obstetrics, Pediatric Health in the Village, the National Health Plan, Family Plan and Medical Education and Research in PNG.
More than 600 participants are expected to attend the event from Papua New Guinea and abroad.