This background information will accompany the Environmental & Social Management Framework, Stakeholder Engagement Framework and Social Assessment Framework.

The objective of the above-referenced Project (IMPACT Health) which is under preparation, is to contribute to the improvement of access to and use of quality essential health services in selected provinces in PNG. In order to do so, the proposed Project includes a combination of input-based investments to strengthen health systems, and results-based financing using Disbursement Linked Indicators (DLIs).

In line with the request from the Government of PNG, many elements of the support through the Project are national, and intensive support is to be provided to a set of four Provinces that are to be identified based on agreed criteria.

The proposed Project is envisaged to be financed through a US$30 million IDA Credit. The proposed PPG of AU$ 1 million is to be provided by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) through the Papua New Guinea Strategic Partnership Multi-Donor Trust Fund administered by the World Bank.

The Government of PNG is committed to undertake project preparation. The National Department of Health (NDOH) has been identified as the implementing agency of the PPG.

NDOH will carry out the preparation and implementation readiness activities in accordance with World Bank Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers dated July 2016 (revised November 2017 and August 2018), and relevant national legislation.