On October 29, there were 285 cases reported, with a seven-day average of 340.
What data is available shows a sharp spike in cases from April through June, and another this month, with 5,067 active cases over the last two weeks. Official statistics drastically understate the reality of what is happening. PNG has officially confirmed 29,108 coronavirus cases and 367 deaths, but many more cases and deaths are going unreported. Meanwhile PNG’s Health authorities scaled back the limited testing regime some months ago, on the pretext that it would allow them to “shift focus” to vaccinating vulnerable sections of the population. This has failed to bridge the vast gulf between the poorest and wealthiest nations in terms of access to vaccines.Īccording to the Global Dashboard for Vaccine Equity (established by UNDP, WHO and Oxford University) as of September 15, just 3.07 percent of millions of people in low-income countries have been vaccinated with at least one dose, compared to 60.18 percent in high-income countries. PNG has depended very much on supplies through COVAX, the so-called “vaccine equity” partnership through the World Health Organization. Just 1.2 percent of the population of nearly 9 million has so far been fully vaccinated. He falsely declared that there was no vaccine for those aged under 18, adding that in any case the “primary focus” was on vaccinating those over 18. In a callous and dismissive statement, Pandemic Response Deputy Controller Daoni Esorom said children will only be vaccinated against COVID-19 “when the need arises,” and only after “data” is collected of children becoming infected.
“A child with a serious medical condition, which has been complicated by COVID-19 pneumonia has a very high chance of dying,” the doctor warned. They were among 39 paediatric cases admitted since September 22, with serious health conditions, including rheumatic heart disease and tuberculosis. Molumi said four children had died of COVID-19 at PMGH. They will receive what is in effect a pauper’s burial, when someone dies destitute without anyone to pay for their funeral expenses. After three days, the PMGH will take the bodies to a plot, allocated by the National Capital District Commission, to be buried together.Īmong the deceased are 16 children, between the ages of two and 12, left by their relatives in hospital morgues for months. (Image Credit: WHO/ Papua New Guinea)Ī newspaper advertisement is detailing the names and ages of the people who have died and been left unclaimed. Medical staff of Papua New Guinea’s Defense Force received hands-on training on COVID-19 response.
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