Govt teams up with China to eradicate malaria

Minister for Sports and National Events, Justin Tkatchenko

By MATTHEW VARI

Sunday, October 2, 2016 (Sunday Chronicle, PNG)

THE government announced on Tuesday, its strategy to eliminate malaria in the country, province by province, over the next three years.

It was announced by Minister for Sports, National Events, and APEC, Justin Tkatchenko when speaking on behalf of Prime Minister Peter O’Neill, during the 40th year celebrations of diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China.

“Today I am proud to announce the announcing of the strengthening of a partnership between Papua New Guinea and China through a program that will help eliminate malaria in our country,” Tkatchenko said.

“Working with China and in particular the province of Guangdong we will be launching a program to eliminate malaria province by province in our country.”

“Malaria is one of the most common diseases affecting the majority of our rural people as well as the disadvantaged in our urban areas. This disease has its worst effect on our children and young mothers.”

He said the greater effects of the disease was one that impacts the growth and learning of the next generation, undermining economic productivity, plus it is a huge burden to the healthcare budget, and the partnership would help strengthen current efforts in addressing the disease.

“The reality is that we can fight malaria and reduce the cost to our society. No one should die from malaria and the disease can be overcome through both prevention and treatment.”

“We have already has success in reducing the spread of malaria in Papua New Guinea at 70% in most areas, but there are places where interventions have not been as successful and we need to step up our efforts in these locations.”

“Through our partnership with China we aim to reduce malaria in project areas by 95%, working together we deliver the Papua New Guinea Malaria Action Plan over three years.”

Tkatchenko pointed out that as part of the program; China will assist with resources, train, and build technical capacity in the country for malaria control and elimination.

“In targeted areas medication will be rolled out, particularly using a quick alternative- this is a fourth generation anti-malarial compound that has proven effective in other locations.”

“China has proven success in eliminating malaria in parts of Africa and Asia where this program has been active.”

“We thank China for its commitment to the health of the people in Papua new Guinea and the delivery of this program.”