Introduction
At CEF, we believe that no mother should have to risk her life to bring new life into the world. In response, CEF launched the Birthing Initiative in July 2025, a partnership with the Western Provincial Health Authority (WPHA) in PNG to tackle the region’s high maternal and neonatal mortality rates.
Project Overview
In remote areas of PNG’s North Fly District, pregnant mothers face impossible options: risk a dangerous home birth or attempt an exhausting journey to a distant hospital. The Birthing Initiative breaks this cycle by removing financial and logistical barriers to safe childbirth through a two-tiered support system, covering hospital fees and providing comprehensive care for high-risk cases.
Infrastructure Backbone: The CEF Birthing House
At the heart of the Initiative is the CEF Birthing House, a safe haven located meters from Kiunga District Hospital where expectant mothers can find support, dignity, and peace of mind. The land was generously donated by the North Fly District Government under an MOU agreement, and the house was built to serve as a safe and hygienic space.
Meet the Person Behind the Initiative: Tandrew Kai
Tandrew Kai is the beating heart of the Birthing Initiative, serving as Project Director and Chief Medical Officer. Living full-time at the Birthing House, Tandrew’s leadership ensures that mothers receive not just medical assistance, but also respect, dignity, and compassionate care throughout their journey.
Summary: Why it Matters
Maternal mortality in remote PNG is not an inevitability—it is a solvable crisis. Through the Birthing Initiative, CEF is showing that sustainable, community-driven healthcare interventions are transformational. With every mother we support and every life we save, we move closer to a world where no one is left behind.
