CARE International’s history in Papua New Guinea
CARE began working in Papua New Guinea in 1989, helping communities facing poverty, inequality, and recurring humanitarian needs.
Still today, the country continues to face significant challenges, particularly in health, education, and economic opportunities, especially for rural communities.
To address both urgent and future needs, CARE’s work in Papua New Guinea has evolved from emergency aid to supporting longer-term development, with a strong focus on women and girls.
CARE and partners’ work in Papua New Guinea today
More than 80% of Papua New Guinea’s population lives in rural areas, where access to health services, education, and agricultural support is limited. Women in rural communities often work long hours but face barriers to earning stable incomes, participating in decision-making, and living free from violence.
CARE works with communities and partners to address these challenges by strengthening local systems, supporting women’s leadership, and improving access to essential services. Our work includes:
Food and water
CARE works with communities to improve access to safe water and sanitation services and to strengthen food security through agriculture and natural resource management.
Health
CARE helps increase access to education and health services, including HIV prevention.
Making the economy work
We support livelihoods and economic opportunities for rural communities, particularly for women who depend on farming and local markets.
Gender equality
CARE works with families and communities to promote positive attitudes toward women and girls and support women’s participation in household and community decision-making.
Crisis response
Papua New Guinea is highly vulnerable to natural disasters and public health emergencies. CARE has responded to multiple emergencies since 1989. During and after the COVID-19 pandemic, for example, we supported communities with food aid and shared health and vaccine information to help families recover from the crisis.
Focus on women and girls
Women and girls are central to CARE’s work in Papua New Guinea.
CARE supports women to strengthen their leadership and participation in community decisions while also improving access to health services, livelihoods, and education opportunities.
We also help fight other barriers that women and girls face — especially in rural communities — including gender-based violence.
Through these efforts, CARE helps women and girls play a stronger role in shaping their future and those of their families and communities.
For more recent updates on CARE’s Papua New Guinea, see here.
