Delegation in Western commits to support tackle challenges

AUSTRALIAN High Commissioner Jonathan Philp led a delegation to Western last week to reaffirm Australia’s commitment to supporting PNG tackle the many challenges facing Western, protecting the border from the Covid-19 among them.
Philp was joined by Western Governor Taboi Awi Yoto, South Fly open MP Sekie Agisa, as well as representatives of the Australian Federal Police, the Department of Home Affairs, PNG Customs and police.
The many agencies represented in the delegation reflected the importance Australia and PNG had given the issues faced by the border province.
This was reaffirmed when the delegation took a tour of the Torres Strait towards Saibai Island.
The delegation visited the provincial police headquarters and viewed the Australia-supported family and sexual violence unit, one of 26 across PNG.
Western is also at the forefront of PNG’s efforts to protect the country from the Covid-19, but like many provinces, it has other contagious diseases that are endemic, such as drug-resistant tuberculosis.
The delegation visited the Daru General Hospital to hear about preparations to prevent and respond to the Covid-19, as well as TB controls.
Philp said: “It is difficult in Port Moresby to understand the full scale of the challenges faced by PNG’s border provinces, so this trip allowed me to see that first hand, as well as to see how Australia is supporting local law and order.
“I was also pleased to hear from local authorities on their work.”