KTF's response to COVID-19

The recent outbreak of COVID-19 is rapidly spreading across the globe with a growing number of outbreak hubs. Whilst there are still no confirmed cases of the virus in Papua New Guinea, the virus poses a very real threat to the health systems and welfare of people across Papua New Guinea including the communities we work with, our team and volunteers.

In line with the PNG Government’s established threat levels, KTF has determined three levels of response based on the advancement of COVID-19 in PNG and is implementing an immediate response to each level of threat.

KTF have been working closely with the Northern Province Health Authority CEO, our medical advisor Dr Michael Cooper, and partners in the Province to develop our response for our Healthy Communities project which supports the operations of many health facilities across the Track catchment region. This is being implemented immediately in preparation for the virus reaching these communities.

Our response involves increasing our supply of drugs, especially paracetamol, resources and training materials for CHWs to treat cases and provide education and awareness to community members. Safety and protection of our CHWs will remain our number one priority ensuring they have access to Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) and sanitation supplies, including soap, masks, gloves and hand sanitiser. We are distributing WHO signage to all health facilities and schools supported by KTF around hand washing and hygiene, self-isolation and other protective measures. 

We also have procedures ready for our Colleges in the event that the threat level increases.

We are reviewing these procedures on a daily basis and, where we partner in delivery with other organisations, we are working to coordinate our response with those organisations. Today, more than ever, our community is key to thriving and surviving.

Note: PNG’s official COVID-19 public hotline: +675 7196 0813