On Friday 24 April, ADI in conjunction with the West New Britain Provincial Health Authority ran a teleconference with a team of experts from Australia in Kimbe Provincial Hospital for their frontline curative nursing team. The webinar was moderated by Sr Scholly Baiwan and Dr Theresa Lei and included training from ADI volunteer Dr Rebecca Taylor – live from Australia. The webinar focused on the correct use of PPE and infection control protocols. ADI plan to continue running regular webinars on COVID-19 preparedness as they are needed by our partners. ADI are also sourcing and supplying PPE. Friday saw the delivery of a valuable shipment of PPE masks, medical gloves, protective suits and goggles. ADI have also designed and printed education posters in Tok Pisin to be used in the fight against COVID-19 warning against the habit of Buai chewing/spitting and the roll this behavour can have in spreading the viris. These posters are being widely distributed across WNB.

ADI Sydney staff are currently preparing supplies of PPE to be sent to West New Britain. Due to the remoteness of the province, this is a difficult task and involves cooperation from a number of partner agencies. Structures are also being put in place to enable the delivery of ADI’s COVID-19 Preparation webinar to frontline medical personnel. This webinar was successfully delivered twice last week to doctors and hospital staff in Western Province.

With the help and guidance of the West New Britain Provincial Health Authority (WNBPHA) and other local business houses, ADI has planned and completed a number of COVID-19 based activities that will aid and benefit the effectiveness of healthcare workers and community leaders. These activities include but are not limited to:
– Community awareness conducted on the remote south coast of West New Britain province
– Printing and handover of Tok Pisin translated information posters for healthcare workers and the wider community
– Donation of N95 masks and sterile gloves to urban health centres within the Kimbe Urban District
– Procurement and donation of essential cleaning and infection control supplies to be used at the Kimbe Provincial Hospital

ADI remains steadfast in its commitment to the WNBPHA and wider PNG community and is continuing efforts to procure PPE and other resources considering the direction from local health practitioners and management.

“On behalf of the Board of Governance, Management, Staff and Team West New Britain.. we thank you ADI. Your Philanthropic donation at this time of need is profoundly appreciated by all of us… and further enhances our relationship in providing Healthcare Services specific to COVID 19 prevention. We pray and hope that PNG will remain protected against COVID19” – Stanislaw S Tao, CEO of West New Britain Provincial Health Authority.