The Asian Development Bank has awarded loans worth $195m to help Papua New Guinea deliver affordable and high-quality health services.

The package comprises two standard loans worth $100m and $45.10m as well as a $49.90m ‘concessional’ loan with easier repayment terms, and aims to help the country make progress in its efforts to achieve universal healthcare.

ADB health specialist for the Pacific, Inez Mikkelsen-Lopez, said: “PNG’s poor health outcomes are the result of deteriorating healthcare services caused by volatile and unpredictable health financing as well as weaknesses in government systems and in health-sector capacities.

“The programme builds on ADB’s long-term engagement in PNG in the health sector.”

The Pacific country has enjoyed a period of high economic growth, averaging 6% annually from 2006 to 2015.

However, Papua New Guinea has failed to achieve its targets on improving maternal and child health, the bank said.

The ADB health-services programme in the country helps authorities strengthen policymaking and finances projects supporting reforms and investments in the sector.

It will ensure the long-term sustainability and “effective use” of health-sector financing, the bank said.

Additionally, the programme will address issues of governance and weak public financial management in the health sector.