Informal sector: Public health challenge

A home cooked meal is the better option, many may argue.

However, in reality, the most convenient alternative for majority of Papua New Guineans roadside breakfast, lunch or dinner.

This varies…and of course high on the list are: Fried lamb flaps, sausage and potato, fried fish and sago, boiled kaukau (sweet potato), coconut creamed kumu (greens) and chicken.

And for those in the informal sector, this makes good money but with it comes the concern for public health.

And NCDC Senior Environmental Health Officer, Silas Jonathan, says “the informal sector is still a big challenge” when it comes to overall public health.

Jonathan acknowledges the Informal Sector Development and Control Act 2004 which provides the facilities and encourages the development of informal businesses in urban and rural areas.

“But they are not aware that this Act gives us authorities power to regulate and control,” he added. 

This Act subjects informal businesses to the establishment of inspection and established rules for the protection of public health and safety.

“On our part, we are conducting trainings which we started at least two or three years ago. We teach mothers and men basics like food handling and home hygiene.

“We believe that one way of achieving public health and safety is educating our people,” Jonathan said.

The most recent training was held last week from May 24 through to May 26.

Author: 
Gloria Bauai