By AMANDA ILAITIA in Alotau
COVID-19 pandemic is a public health issue so when it comes to public health, you have to do it as a community, says Chief Executive Officer of Milne Bay Provincial Health Authority, Doctor Perista Mamadi.
Dr Mamadi said on record Milne Bay Province has a total of 32 positive cases with three related deaths.
He said 30 out of the 32 positive cases were recorded only in the month of March.
“From these statistics, 26 are in isolation at home while six are being closely monitored in the medical ward of the provincial hospital because of the nature of their conditions. While, the two positive cases recorded from last year have recovered.”
Dr Mamadi added that since the beginning of COVID-19, Milne Bay Provincial Health Authority (MBPHA) has had support from Milne Bay Provincial Government, stakeholders’, business houses and the community in trying to manage the pandemic within the province.
“In trying to manage the current surge of Coronavirus, MBPHA has COVID Response Teams in all districts and a COVID Provincial Committee which is chaired by Provincial Administrator, Ashan Numa.
“The immense support from political leaders and people from all communities throughout the province continues as they stand together in the fight against COVID-19 since last year,” he said.
Dr Mamadi has reminded everyone that health is everyone’s business and “we have to be conscious of the public health measures and interventions put in place to protect and keep us safe”.
He strongly urged that if people have no business outside of their homes it is wise to stay at home, in order to protect themselves and others from this virus.
“Apart from COVID-19 we still have existing health issues like tuberculosis, malaria, HIV/AIDS, cancer and life style diseases so it is important for people to stay healthy and help each other during these trying times,” Dr Mamadi said.