CENTRAL Province has become the first Province in Papua New Guinea to launch the roll out program of AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccines.
The launching of the program took place inside the proposed setting for vaccines roll out, at EDAI Town in the Central Province recently.
The event was rounded up with happenings like awareness and demonstration of vaccination roll out process initiated by the health workers of Port Moresby General Hospital in partnership with Central Provincial Health Authority (CPHA).
Three volunteers from the CPHA kick started the program as they voluntarily took the jabs which were part of the demonstration on vaccination process.
Chief Executive Officer of CPHA Dr. James Amini said they want to showcase the “niupela pasin” of adult vaccination and the health awareness program provides a perfect backdrop to officially launch the Central Province Covid-19 vaccination roll out.
He further added that the CPHA is committed to play their part in executing a successful Covid-19 vaccination program for the Central Province.
“We will work closely with each community to ensure that factual information is shared for members of our communities to make an informed decision on the importance of collective vaccination so that education of our young can continue and economic activities can be restored to bring our country to a new normal and overcome the uncertainties caused by the new disease,” he said.
Meanwhile chairlady of the Central Provincial Health Authority Sisa Kini while launching the program extended her appreciation of the private sector rallying to the cause in helping CPHA promote Covid-19 vaccination within the frame of importance of good health.
“Time is of the essence in overcoming this pandemic and the pop up demonstration vaccination center at EDAI Town operated by CPHA with the assistance of the efficiency of the private sector will provide us a good assessment of the numbers that we can vaccinate each day for us to confidently deliver our commitment on timely execution of the vaccination program envisaged by our national government,” she said.
The roll out program which commenced on May 5 and ends on May 17 will cover all five districts of the Central Province.
The targeted population of the vaccination program is the 3% of the general population which includes health workers, teachers, police and military.
EDAI Town, Business for Health PNG (B4H), neighborhood communities of Boera, Papa, LeaLea and Porebada together with the Central Health Authority (CPHA) have all come together to promote the use of Astra Zeneca vaccines to the people in the Central Province.