Stop spread of misinformation

THE number of people receiving the Covid-19 vaccine should surpass 50,000 after vaccination programme at Rita Flynn in Port Moresby was opened to the public.
Initially, vaccination was to start with health workers, then to essential workers, people above 45 years and with comorbidities and others later.
Records out from the National Control Centre for Covid-19 show 49,333 have received the Covid-19 vaccine – AstraZeneca as of last Tuesday.
Of the more than 49,000 people vaccinated – only 7,341 health workers received their vaccines while 41,992 make up essential workers and those with comorbidities.
As of last Wednesday (data released on Saturday), PNG’s confirmed cases stood at 17,098 of which 16,518 had recovered while 407 were still recorded as active cases.
Total number of test conducted is 131,712.

Death record is at 173.
Unfortunately, despite knowing the importance of immunisation and taking vaccination, misinformation about Covid-19 on social media had influenced the decision of many health workers who have not received the vaccine yet.
It is understandable that there will be confusion, anxiety and fear among the public during this trying time.
In March, PNG received 8,000 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine donated by the Australian government and specifically for frontline health workers and other essential service providers at the head of the battle against the coronavirus in the country.
The vaccination roll-out programme started in April after PNG received its first batch 132,000 doses from the Covax facility arrangement.
This month, PNG took a delivery of 146,000 doses from New Zealand through the Covax facility.
The roll-out of first lot of doses is a test case and we hope with more people stepping forward to take the vaccination, it eradicates any uncertainty on the vaccine.
It is already a challenge for authorities as they battle against the vaccine hesitancy – something which is already a serious hurdle.
Unfortunately, these factors will not help to contain the spread of coronavirus. In times like this, everyone should be working together. We all need to be intentional and thoughtful when communicating on social media and other communication platforms, showing supportive behaviours around Covid-19.
As they say, you only get to make a first impression once, so it’s very critical that the communication and engagement with the community is right first time.
How we communicate about Covid-19 is critical in supporting people to take effective action to help combat the disease and to avoid fuelling fear and stigma.
One thing for sure, the best defence to protect ourselves and our loved ones from coronavirus is to strictly follow all the Covid-19 health protocols.
Covid-19 is real.
It knows no boundary and does not discriminate. Since the coronavirus outbreak over a year ago, countries worked hard to put a stop to the spread of the virus.
Many succeeded through breaking the cycle by human intervention. Whether we like it or not, wearing of face masks should now become a daily routine and be made mandatory in our effort to minimise the spread of coronavirus.
Let’s share facts and accurate information about the coronavirus.
We have said this and will continue to stress on it that many of our people who don’t have much education are gullible to whatever information is spread.
In an age where information is mass produced and accessible at the touch of a button, what the public really should have is relevant knowledge.
The way we communicate can affect the attitude of others.
Let’s advocate for a healthy community.