A flight from Australia has arrived in Papua New Guinea with the first shipment of COVID-19 vaccines as well as experts to support local experts in responding to the virus.
The first supply of vaccines for frontline health staff was made on Tuesday, March 23rd, with an initial rollout for the National Capital District.
In addition to AUSMAT experts, the RAAF flight carried three mobile storage units to help with the vaccine rollout, as well as five group tents that served as triaging areas, reception centres, and clinic rooms.
Australia is collaborating with Papua New Guinea to promote the government's response to a worrying increase in COVID-19 cases, in order to save lives and support the health sector of its nearest neighbour.
The Australian government has decided to assist PNG and will work with it to develop a robust support program to aid the country's response to the crisis.
A forward team of three AUSMAT health experts is being sent to Port Moresby by Australia.
Infection prevention, triage and emergency response, and public health interventions will be discussed with Papua New Guinean health officials.
The deployed AUSMAT, according to a statement from the Australian High Commission in PNG, would adhere to quarantine agreements reached with the PNG government.
The government of Papua New Guinea will assess future goals.
