Increase effort to combat virus

PAPUA New Guinea must increase it’s efforts in this war on the.
The Covid-19 is a menace to humanity – and so humanity must fight back, these were the words of United Nations secretary-general António Guterres when launching a US$2 billion (K6.94bil) global humanitarian response plan to fund the fight the coronavirus in the world’s most fragile countries.
PNG must stand united in the face of this threat.
It is a time we break all social, cultural and political divides to confront this national emergency together.
This calls for bi-partisan support among our national leaders to pull in resources as well as garner support from business houses, community-based organisations, donor partners, churches and everyone else.
PNG can access the above-mentioned global fund on the basis of the purported coronavirus death.
But as we go about mobilising resources and increasing efforts, it is time also we look back and reflect on our performance.
It should begin with important questions like have we done enough in our capacity as leaders, service providers, public servants, church, community and citizens in the battle the coronavirus?
Have we been negligent or diligent?
Have we managed or mismanaged the situation?
Are our methods and applications correct?
And the answers will have to come from all of us – from the highest places and the pinnacles of power, down to the humblest betel nut market and the daily “7 bomb” ritual behind the canteen.
As we raise our level of readiness, we must not panic.
Panic causes tunnel vision and, consequently, leads to irrational decisions.
It should begin with narrowing and pinning down on the possible causes and entry points.
The recent increase of Covid-19 cases and death is reported to be in the National Capital District.
This means Port Moresby will likely be the epicentre of the country’s impending catastrophe.
Then remove the possible causes of the spread such as the personal protective equipment (PPE) donated.
As test kits and equipment can be faulty and contain the coronavirus with the recent evidence of pawpaw and goats testing positive in Tanzania.
Let’s leave no stone unturned, including a change of leadership on the management of the Covid-19 and country’s affairs.

David Lepi