Elimination work makes Sir Puka see end for malaria

HEALTH Minister Sir Puka Temu is convinced a malaria elimination programme trialed on Kiriwina Island in Milne Bay recently will help eradicate the disease in PNG by 2030.
Sir Puka was optimistic the mass drug administration (MDA) programme spearheaded by Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine on Kiriwina would be suitable for the country.
The programme’s annual report was tabled in Port Moresby last week, with the Fast Elimination of Malaria by Source Eradication (Femse) through MDA showing that 18 per cent of the 45,000 population infected by malaria parasites being reduced to 0.31 per cent.
“There is a strong understanding between the two countries (China and PNG) particularly in eradication of malaria,” Sir Puka said.
“The success of the Fast Elimination of Malaria by Source Eradication using the MDA pilot project at Kiriwina shows tremendous results.”
Sir Puka said the country needed to be free by malaria and in order to do so was by working with medical institutions that were adamant about eradicating malaria.
He said organisations like Guangzhou University, PNG Rotarians Against Malaria, United Nations and World Health Organisation had broad understanding about reducing the parasite.
He said with such enthusiasm, the PNG Health Department along with the Chinese medical team put forward “something I am looking forward to support and work with together.”
“I am challenged to bring to national parliament what would be the highest next policy to treat anti-malaria doses throughout our hospitals, clinics and aid posts,” he said.
Sir Puka has decided to make a commitment to the programme after learning about its success locally.