Minister salutes thousands as ‘polio heroes’

By REBECCA KUKU
TWELVE thousand people were commended last week during the conclusion of the campaign against polio, measles and rubella for their dedication, commitment and bravery in vaccinating over a million children.
Minister for Health and HIV and AIDS Elias Kapavore acknowledged the hard working men and women for overcoming challenges to ensure that 90 per cent of children were vaccinated.
“If one understands the terrain of these country, then they would know how challenging it has been for these heroes.”
“They climbed mountains and crossed rivers, seas and walked for miles to reach the remotest places,” Kapavore said.
“We thank and honour these health workers.”
Kapavore also paid respects to the six workers who passed away during the campaign.
Ezekiel Peter, 34, a husband and father of three and officer in charge of Semo health centre Tewae-Siasi district, Morobe and Eddie Sally, 27, went missing in rough seas while delivering vaccines by boat.
In Bougainville, health officers Hurivaka Tekohu, 56, Stella Morakana, 48 and Hosea Solomon also went missing at the sea while delivering vaccines.
In Milne Bay, 47-year-old Aneti Allen-Duari died after an asthma attack while carrying out the second round campaign in an inland area catchment of Warauwadidi.
A one minute silence was held for these brave six Papua New Guineans who served with pride and honour.
Though the campaign against polio, measles and rubella ended last Friday, work in integrating the campaign into routine immunisation programmes would continue.