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By PETER MIVA
MALARIA, diarrhoea and influenza were the three recurring illnesses that
affected detainees, staff members and their families at Lae’s Buimo jail
between March and August this year.
Figures showed that there were 1,035 malaria, 142 diarrhoea, and 601
influenza patients who received treatment during that period at the jail
clinic.
The Morobe division of health released these figures recently, compiled
by a combined provincial health and building inspection team who
assessed the deteriorating state of Buimo jail staff houses last Sept
27.
The figures showed that although these diseases were prevalent among
other common ailments, the Buimo clinic successfully treated 637
detainees, 49 staff, and 349 staff dependents for malaria out of the
1,035 cases.
It also showed that 392 detainees, 66 staff and 143 staff dependents
were treated for influenza out of the 601 cases during this period.
The lowest malaria figures were recorded last July during which 20
detainees, seven staff and 15 staff dependents were treated compared to
other months.
The highest monthly diarrhoea case recorded was in August, with 22
detainees, one staff, and 15 dependents – all successfully treated.
The highest month to record influenza cases was July when 70 detainees
were treated along with 20 staff and 55 dependents at the clinic and
released.
The figures were released when Morobe provincial programmes adviser for
health Dr Likei Theo issued a 21-day notice of intention on Oct 3 to
evict Buimo jail staff from their houses due to deteriorating housing
and sewerage systems that were posing health risks to jail staff and
their dependents.
 
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