Churches and Government act to protect Papua New Guinea

The need to promote key messages and access to accurate and timely information on COVID-19 was the focus of discussion between representatives from Government and Churches supported by the Papua New Guinea-Australia Partnership in an emergency meeting in Port Moresby this week.

At the meeting, Minister for Health and HIV/AIDS, the Hon Jelta Wong, said churches are a key partner to the Government, with their extensive networks, and were trusted local leaders that would be called upon to support efforts to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Minister for Health and HIV/AIDS, Jelta Wong, addressing church leaders and Government representatives.

“This includes asking people to regularly wash their hands, stay at least one metre from people in public and stay inside for 14 days if you come into contact with a sick person, as it takes this time for the virus to show symptoms and this will prevent it from spreading.

The Government in declaring a state of emergency will be exercising its partnerships across the public, private and non-government sector elevating our Churches to help us prepare for this threat right from the village level to our major cities,” said Minister Wong.

Australian High Commission Minister-Counsellor, Andrew Egan, reiterated Australia’s support to PNG’s churches and asked church partners to redirect resources, using Australian funding, to support the PNG Government’s response to containing COVID-19.

The Government of PNG has set up a COVID-19 response call centre at Morauta Haus, Waigani for general enquiries on COVID-19, through this toll free number 1800200.

Church leaders and Government representatives listening to Minister for Bougainville Affairs, Sir Puka Temu explaining the Government’s response strategy for COVID-19.

For further information, including access to related materials, please contact the Australian High Commission media team: +675 7090 0100