By SEPKOLIN WALNE
THE New Zealand Government will provide USD$2 million to assist Papua New Guinea’s efforts to reduce and eliminate the dreaded polio disease.
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced the assistance package during a visit to the Port Moresby General Hospital. He arrived in Port Moresby on Sunday for a brief State visit and departed today.
“Health is currently the largest sector in development cooperation,” Mr Luxon said.
“Our current program in development assistance in PNG in supports to delivery in childhood immunisation, strengthening of community health networks, improve access to sexual and reproductive health services and increase access to eye health services across the country.
“Today, I am also pleased to announce USD$2 million contributions to support PNG polio’s response and strengthen immunisation.
“Polio remains a serious trade, and New Zealand is committed to working with PNG to eliminate once and for all.
“This contribution builds on our broadest support for childhood immunisation to protect our children from preventable diseases,” PM Luxon said.
PNG Health Minister Elias Kapavore acknowledged the funding assistance, saying: “Under your leadership, Prime Minister, New Zealand has committed to work alongside us to improve health, particularly focusing on immunisation, sexual reproductive health, and specialist eye care in our country.
“The contributions to our health sector include K24 million (USD$10 million) to strengthen our immunisation system, to make sure that children are protected from preventable diseases.
“It proves that good signs, strong partnerships and commitment we can change health outcomes here in PNG and in Pacific regions,” Minister Kapavore said.
PMGH Chief Executive Officer Dr Paki Molumi said the funding assistance confirmed the strong partnership between New Zealand and PNG in the health sector.