In PNG, an estimated 700 women per 100,000 live births die during childbirth, compared to just four or five per 100,000 in Australia.
Dr Barry Kirby AO, a former carpenter turned medical doctor, is a transformative force in reducing maternal mortality rates in Papua New Guinea (PNG). Lions Australia is a key supporter of the PNG Birthing Mothers Project and provides “baby bundles” encouraging antenatal care and “bush huts” near medical centres for expectant mothers.
The Project has led to an 80% increase in supervised deliveries and a 75% reduction in maternal deaths.
Lions Clubs promote youth and provide community service, medical research, and disaster relief. Since the first club was formed in Lismore in 1947, Lions Australia has grown to be the largest service club organisation in Australia, with over 25,000 volunteers. Now, Lions Australia has set a goal of 30,000 members by 2030 and 50,000 members by 2050.
Dr Barry Kirby AO is