Programme to help boost immunisation in Morobe

By JIMMY KALEBE
THE launching of the accelerated immunisation and health system strengthening programme in Lae is important as it signifies the partnership with the provincial health authority (PHA) and stakeholders, says PHA board chairman David Wissink.
The memorandum of understanding was signed with the PHA on June 11.
The accelerated immunisation and health system strengthening programme is an initiative of the Government supported by the Australian and New Zealand governments with support from Gavi, the vaccination alliance, with technical assistance from the World Health Organisation and United Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef).
Wissink said Morobe had a low rate of immunisation and the PHA supported World Vision to implement the programme.
“Even though we are still concerned with the Covid-19, some lessons that we have learned from it cannot be ignored in the everyday health matters that we have in the province,” he said.
Wissink said the PHA had moved to decentralise healthcare in the province through the establishment of Bulolo, Ethep, Braun and Mutzing district hospitals.
“When we have those district hospitals up and running, Angau general hospital will be a referral hospital while people in the district will be able to receive basic healthcare in the district.”
Wissink reminded people to be vigilant as the Covid-19 threat was still there and encouraged good hygiene, social distancing and not moving around unnecessarily.
He congratulated the newly-appointed PHA chief executive officer Dr Kipas Binga.
“We need that expertise and experience to lead the PHA in Morobe and work well with partners, people on the ground and stakeholders,” Wissink said.
Binga said Morobe was a large province and thanked World Vision for its efforts to roll out immunisation programme.