Humanitarian mission to provide immunisation for isolated islands

THE Aidocéan French Humanitarian Mission will provide immunisation for children against killer diseases and other medical services to PNG’s isolated islands starting with New Ireland next month.
Mission president Marine Bayer told The National that the mission would provide services to women and children to stop the spread of measles and other childhood and infant illness.
“The race is on to beat the virus and only a routine immunisation campaign will stop any possible spread of the virus in remote areas of PNG,” she said. Bayer said they would carry out a routine immunisation of children in remote areas, logistical and personnel support to the New Ireland health authority under the National Health Authority.
Initiated by the French Ambassador to PNG Guillaume Lemoine, the mission is funded by the French and the New Caledonian governments. It will be carried out from next month to October.
She said this would be their first time to visit islands focusing on isolated islands as the World Health Organisation (WHO) was adamant that routine immunisation against infantile diseases was paramount.
“At this stage we are gearing up to go to Palie, Masahet,︎Tanga, Babase, Lamassa and Pukpuk islands,” Bayer said.
“However, this tour might be reduced due to time constraints.”