Health

Tok Imuniti Campaign Launched

Tok Imuniti, translating to "Talk about Immunity," equips provincial health workers with digital and physical resources to effectively address rumours and misinformation within their communities. A comprehensive five-week national multimedia campaign aims to educate PNG citizens about the significance of vaccination while introducing health workers to an innovative digital app featuring educational videos, fact sheets, and a chat function.

HIV Epidemic Needs Combined Effort

UNAIDS Regional Director for Asia Pacific and Eastern Europe and Central Asia regions, Eamonn Murphy Murphy was on a visit to PNG to help raise awareness, mobilize action, and advocate for urgent measures to address the growing HIV crisis in the country.

Murphy revealed alarming rates of HIV increases in the Asia Pacific Region. The estimated new infections in PNG in 2022 the 6500, which is 18 new infections per day. Of the 72000 PLWH, 43816 are on ART and 1100 AIDS-related deaths.

Gap between PHAs, political leadership

Of the 352 aid posts, 138 have been closed, according to a December 2023 report by the public health division of the Morobe Provincial Health Authority.

This is 46 per cent of the village health posts in the most populous and largest province.

In addition to that, the province has 55 health facilities in its 10 districts: 11 in Lae, 8 in Bulolo, 7 in Finschhafen while Kabwum, Menyamya and Tewai-Siassi have 6 each. Huon Gulf and Nawaeb have 4 each and Markham has 3. Most of them are in a rundown state and lack proper equipment and medical supplies.

Address public health

Dr Molumi revealed this during the commissioning of the Port Moresby General Hospital’s Kidney Dialysis Centre, recently.

He stated that the hospital would like to address public health at the forefront because when it is not addressed, the hospital is at the receiving end of the worst.

He said this is a result of a lack of knowledge and ignorance.  

Over 800 Middle Ramu children immunised

The integrated health program included children’s immunisation, treating of yaws (a chronic disfiguring and debilitating infectious disease) cases, health education, antenatal checks and school medical in the disadvantage communities at Aiome. 

874 children were immunised against vaccine preventable diseases, treated 470 cases of yaws, conducted health education to more than 900 people in the area and also treated 250 skin infections.

Surprisingly 214 children out of the 874 children immunised received immunisation for the first time during this outreach program.  

Local doctors given pediatric laparoscopic surgery training

Specialized healthcare requires high-specialized skills, medical equipment, instruments, drugs and consumables. Most of this expertise is not available in the country.

Last week, four Singaporean health specialists visited PMGH to conduct pediatric laparoscopic surgeries with the local team. The visiting team consisted of two surgeons and two anesthetists from KK Women's and Children’s Hospital in Singapore.

NDOH reveals increase in TB cases

Secretary for Health Dr. Osborne Liko said the number of TB cases increased from 30,000 notifications in 2021 to 37, 000 in 2022. This represents a 19% increase in the number of cases to major hospitals.

He said he has written to the Governor of the Bank of Papua New Guinea to facilitate fast clearance of foreign exchange for the purchase of TB drugs.

Dr. Liko said the expected time of arrival of the usual supply is August 10, 2023.

Illegal sales of drugs put public at risk

This was stressed during an awareness on the illegal sales of drugs and its effects conducted last week which was initiated by the East New Britain Provincial Authority and carried out in the four local level governments of Rabaul district.

Speaking during the awareness at Tavui No.1 of Balanataman LLG was district health coordinator, Garry Mano who highlighted some of the effects of taking medicine sold by street vendors or from unauthorised distributors.

Hospital supports cancer symposium

The symposium is scheduled to take place in Port Moresby from September 10th- 15th. The theme of this year's symposium, "Holistic Approach to Cancer," holds significant importance as it aims to address the multifaceted challenges posed by this devastating disease.

Janet Sios, the Finance Director at Paradise Hospital, expressed her gratitude and appreciation to the Papua New Guinea Medical Society and the Organizing Committee for extending the invitation and providing the hospital with the opportunity to be a part of this prestigious event.

China invites PNG medical professionals for training

This follows after the Chinese government signed a renewed protocol for the continuation of China's medical team to PNG, signalling a strong desire to continue medical and healthcare exchanges between the two countries.

The China Medical Team Leader, Chen Gang said since the inception of the team in PNG they have trained and conducted invasive healthcare services to the people of PNG and invite the PNG medical team to get medical training in overseas.