KTF welcomes Australian COVID-19 support announcement
Statement from Dr Genevieve Nelson, KTF CEO
They were there for us in our time of great need and now we are for them; our great friends and nearest neighbours in Papua New Guinea.
We endorse and support Prime Minister Morrison’s announcement of the immediate fast-tracking of 8,000 COVID-19 doses to support the vaccination of front-line health workers in PNG. Protecting those in hospitals and other health facilities is a critical first step in relieving the burden on an already struggling health system, one which is currently at breaking point.
We also welcome the gift of vital PPE equipment, which is in short supply across the country, including masks, shields, gowns, goggle, gloves, sanitizers, face shields and non-invasive ventilators. The supporting deployment of an AUSMAT team to PNG next week to work with the PNG authorities in COVID planning and response, plus the provision of 1 million doses of the vaccine will help address the current threat.
As an organization who works in remote Western Province, the support offered to remote communities in the treaty areas of PNG that lie adjacent to the Torres Strait is a welcome commitment from neighbours supporting neighbours.
This is a timely and crucial first step to help protect Papua New Guineans from the high level of community transmission we are seeing. Having recently returned to Australia after a month in PNG, including time in remote areas across Western and Oro Provinces and Port Moresby, we have witnessed firsthand, and via consultation with our teams and partners, the devastating impact of the virus.
In the meanwhile, we will continue our grassroots campaign to deliver strong messaging around COVID-19 prevention to help all Papua New Guineans protect themselves and their immediate family members against the virus through vigilant mask wearing, hand hygiene and distancing, and isolating if sick. We’re using all of our networks to spread factual information in the rural and remote areas we work in across the country and to distribute PPE, soap and sanitizers, taps and tanks, and educational resources.
We stand poised to assist with any and all prevention efforts in our catchment regions and welcome further support indicated by the Prime Minister, including the deployment of a clinical health care team in coming weeks and support for logistics for vaccine deployment beyond urban centres.
Thank you Australia, for keeping the spirit of Kokoda alive.