More vaccination, testing sites eyed for capital city

Seleba Kairavita receiving the Covid-19 vaccine from Community Health Worker Andrew Fauma in Port Moresby on Thursday. NCD provincial health authority chief executive officer Dr Steven Yennie says there are plans to have more Covid-19 vaccination sites and testing sites in the city. – Nationalpic by KENNEDY BANI

By MIRIAM ZARRIGA
RESIDENTS of Port Moresby will be provided more Coronavirus (Covid-19) vaccination and testing sites as health and city authorities step up efforts to address the increasing number of cases and deaths.
National Capital District provincial health authority chief executive officer Dr Steven Yennie said there was also an urgent need to recruit more staff.
“We are appealing to health workers who can assist us (to come forward). They will be under short-term contracts,” he said.
“We are increasing our capacity for early testing and vaccination,” Dr Yennie said.
The NCD health authority has 26 facilities, with 11 providing primary care to the city residents.
The facilities conducting tests are Rita Flynn, Gerehu Hospital and urban clinics.
“The Niupla Pasin protocols must be enforced by the general public, especially in suburbs and settlements,” Dr Yennie said.
A mobile vaccination team will be travelling with an awareness team to parts of the city.
NCD Governor Powes Parkop again stressed on the people to get vaccinated.
“The two major strategies that can stop the Covid-19 transmission are vaccination and following the Niupla Pasin protocols,” he said.
“I appeal to the people to do their part.
“The Port Moresby General Hospital is overwhelmed.
“The Taurama Aquatic Centre is filled to capacity.
“The burden of dealing with Covid-19 cannot be left to the front line workers.”