Outbreak task force leader in POM to seek funds

THE head of the cholera and dysentery outbreak task force, Dr Victor Golpak, is in Port Moresby to seek funding of more than K8 million to conduct surveys and feasibility studies in areas in Morobe province that are affected .
The report compiled after these studies are conducted, will eventually lead to the construction of water supply systems and pit latrines.
The National Government had said it would spend K8 million when announcing the state of emergency on Sept 9.
At the task force meeting yesterday chaired by Morobe provincial health adviser Dr Likei Theo, the need for the feasibility study and surveillance report was stressed.
The taskforce needs to know exactly how many pit latrines and water supply systems have to be constructed.
“This would be one vital method used to address and contain the spread of further outbreaks,” he said.
Health and environment officers attached to the outbreak task force are currently undertaking surveillance at Menyamya.
But they would need more funding for further surveillance at Wasu and the other areas.
Last week, health and environment officers completed their surveillance on Lae city’s settlements affected by cholera.
Meanwhile, the out-break in the province, according to Dr Theo, was under control.
He reported that there were only five cases reported for the past seven days a drop from high of about 10 a day – at the treatment centre at Angau Memorial Hospital.
The affected districts outside of Lae have been reported a drop with one or two cases and no deaths in the last 10 days.
Dr Theo also commended the villagers of the four affected areas in Wasu for being heavily involved in construction of pit latrines.
He said the people were responsive and acted positively but said there was a need for crowbars, spades and empty drums.
This was also an opportunity for Dr Theo to commend the hard work, dedication and contributions of everyone who had participated in bringing the outbreak under control.
He conveyed special appreciation for the health workers, donor agencies, NGOs, church groups and the business houses.