The country’s first Anti-Malaria Centre is expected to be opened soon following the unveiling of the plaque by Health Secretary Pascoe Kase and Director of Shenzhen City Disease Control, Dr Ma Han Wu.
The construction of this specialist centre will boost the country’s efforts towards managing and eradicating malaria.
Health Secretary Kase said malaria, although preventable and curable, continues to remain as a top killer disease in the country.
The Health Department over the years has implemented anti-malarial campaigns and programs nationwide such as the treated bed nets initiative and the current mass drug administration in Milne Bay Province.
“This building will host the laboratory for malaria and I understand there will also be Chinese medicine and other services provided in this facility,” stated Kase.
In addition, expertise from China and Chinese traditional practices like acupuncture and other services will be available.
The Anti-Malaria centre will play a key role in early diagnosis and treatment and also prevent transmission of malaria.
Director of Shenzhen City Disease Control, Dr Ma Han Wu, said China recognises the World Health Organization’s 2016-2030 Malaria Elimination Goal and the donation of this facility and provision of expertise will help PNG achieve this.
Through this Centre, the Chinese will train Papua New Guinean technical experts in laboratory work.
In the beginning stages, 30-50 local doctors will be trained per month with plans and 300-500 doctors every year.