FPDA has signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with The Leprosy Mission in PNG (TLM-PNG) to promote sustainable livelihoods in communities affected by leprosy.
The signing took place in May 2019 and aims to address health and nutrition in communities affected by leprosy and disability in NCD, Central, and Western Province.
Country Leader for TLM-PNG Natalie Smith said that after discussions with FPDA earlier this year, it was a pleasure to sign the MoA and begin working in partnership to help disadvantaged people to improve their livelihoods through agriculture.
Ms. Smith said that PNG has 500 new cases of leprosy each year. The disease, which spreads through coughing and sneezing like TB, is curable over a one-year treatment period.
People with weakened immune systems were more susceptible to leprosy and as such, healthy food and nutrition were important elements in addressing this disease.
The Leprosy Mission in PNG
“TLM-PNG is currently working in 20 communities in Central Province, 20 communities in NCD and 10 communities in Daru, Western Province,” she added.
TLM-PNG has been operating in PNG since the 1960s and moved to Port Moresby from Madang two years ago.
The Sustainable Livelihoods Development project was a livelihood and health project started in 2017 under TLM-PNG, with the main objective of enabling communities affected by leprosy and disability.
While signing the MoA with FPDA’s Corporate Affairs Executive Manager John Pono, Smith said it was a relief to partner with an experienced organization that is funded by the PNG government and working well with rural communities throughout the country.
“The purpose of this agreement is to solidify the partnership between FPDA and TLM-PNG, targeting income generating activities in the areas of vegetable and fruit production, as identified by TLM-PNG community surveys,” she said.
Mr. Pono said FPDA considers this MoA to be special, as it will be addressing people with special needs and will therefore require special attention from both partners.
He said on behalf of FPDA board and management that as a community obligation FPDA has agreed to provide the technical team and expertise to facilitate the training required under fresh produce production and marketing.
FPDA would not only assist affected communities to address food security for their livelihoods but also help with securing markets for extra income.
**For more information about The Leprosy Mission in PNG click here