COVID-19 has spread throughout the country, and Prime Minister James Marape has launched a national drive to stop it.
The national vaccination rollout's slogan is "Sleeves Up Be A Vaccine Champion” which emphasizes the importance of rolling up your sleeves and getting vaccinated.
On May 5, the second round of vaccinations began. Marape was joined by David Manning, the Controller of National Pandemic Response, and Dr. Osborne Liko, the Secretary of State for Health, as well as WHO, UNICEF, and other participating donor partners.
Since the country is dealing with 11,000 incidents and 121 deaths as a result of COVID-19, Controller Manning believes it is important to take the required and responsible action.
“We are faced with many challenges but rarely is there an opportunity to present a solution. The solution that’s literally in our hands,” Controller Manning said.
PM Marape shared concern about the seriousness of the COVID-19 scenario.
“Papua New Guinea has felt the pain of COVID-19, you only ask the 11,000 positive cases who have been tested…. will they tell you that it is real and it’s not fake.”
He said that among the many diverse views and perspectives held in our country, there has also been an opposing perspective and controversy claiming that COVID-19 is not genuine.
PM Marape, who was the first to volunteer for the vaccine to express his respect for the citizens' welfare, is sticking to his word that vaccination will remain voluntary, even among high-risk and frontline health workers.
