Marape unveils 'no more than three children' policy to manage PNG's high birth rate

Families in Papua New Guinea could soon be advised to have no more than three children, Prime Minister James Marape says.

He said the government would introduce a National Family Planning Policy designed to lower PNG's high birth rate by encouraging families to stick to a maximum of three children.

Marape said the policy aims to curb uncontrolled demographic expansion, prevent unplanned pregnancies and reduce economic burdens on rural households.

PNG's National Statistics Office said the country's total population has reached 10.18 million people, with an average annual population growth rate of 2.6 percent.

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The government said that the growth of more than 180,000 people annually placed critical strain on infrastructure, schools and health services.

The policy was announced by Marape as he visited the maternity wing at the newly-opened Pomio district hospital, the Dr Kaven Memorial Hospital, at Palmalmal Station in East New Britain Province.

"This is to ensure that there is prevention of unplanned pregnancies and births, and families will be encouraged to have no more than three children," Marape said of the new policy.

According to him, managing the birth rate is essential for generating a long-term positive economic impact for families and protecting the wellbeing of mothers throughout the country.