New Zealand sends medical team, logistics

The National National
Workers off-loading the supplies on Saturday at Jackson International Airport. New Zealand sent a medical team and logistic supplies to support PNG’s Covid-19 response. – Picture supplied

NEW Zealand has sent a medical and logistics support team with medical supplies to assist Papua New Guinea’s response to the Coronavirus (Covid-19).
Associate Foreign Minister Aupito William Sio said two New Zealand Defence Force logisticians and an environment health officer would support the Covid-19 National Control Centre in Port Moresby.
Two doctors and three nurses from the private company Respond Global, two fire and emergency logisticians and a representative of the ministry of foreign affairs and trade will be based in Bougainville to support health authorities there.
“New Zealand remains committed to supporting our Pacific neighbours to respond to the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic,” he said.
“We are deeply saddened by the increasing loss of lives in PNG due to the pandemic.”
This aid comes in response to a formal request by the PNG Government for humanitarian and medical support from partner governments, with case numbers, hospitalisations and deaths on the rise, due to the current Delta surge.
“Most of the team departed on a New Zealand Defence Force aircraft and will be based in PNG for approximately one month.”