A delivery of much-needed Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) arrived in Papua New Guinea today and was handed over to Minister for Health and HIV, Jelta Wong, MP.
The delivery is part of Australia’s commitment to provide PNG with up to two million pieces of PPE for health workers and will provide essential support to those at the frontline of the current health crisis. This is in addition to 750kg of PPE already provided.
The PPE, including masks, goggles, protective clothing and gloves, will be distributed by the PNG National Department of Health. It follows a request to Australia from the Prime Minister, James Marape, for specific assistance to meet challenges for PNG’s preparedness.
In handing over the equipment, Australia’s Deputy High Commissioner to PNG, Caitlin Wilson, said, “Australia stands with PNG throughout this difficult period. We are working with the PNG Government to support health workers and the community to have access to information and equipment to minimise the spread of infection.”
Australia has reprioritised over PGK67 million from existing commitments to provide a wide-ranging package of support to the PNG Government to prepare for and respond to COVID-19.
Feature Pic: Minister for Health and HIV, Jelta Wong, MP and Australian Deputy High Commissioner Caitlin Wilson at the handover of PPE at the Air Niugini Cargoes Section.
