Milne Bay gets MNTE prepared

44 Health Center OICs were in Alotau this week, they are undergoing refresher training on the nationwide rollout of the Maternal and Neonatal Tetanus Elimination program.

Its being supported by the Department of Health and partner UNICEF.

Public Health Physician Dr Gilchrist Oswyn from the Public Health Division of the Milne Bay Health Authority says given PNGs low vaccination and prevention records in the western Pacific region, it was crucial to deliver this help to our people when such assistance and opportunities lands itself.

The Maternal and Neo-natal Tetanus vaccination targets mothers and newborns primarily due to unhygienic childbirth and umbilical cord care.

Babies and women of childbearing age from 15-45 will be vaccinated when the exercise gets underway nationwide from June to August.

Meanwhile, the polio virus vaccination will be incorporated in the upcoming nationwide rollout of the Maternal and Neo-natal Tetanus Elimination exercise.

Public Health Phyisician Dr Gilchrist Oswyn says while waiting for directions from the National Department of Health, they have begun
polio surveillance and will be providing shots for children as a preventive measure.

It's a response to reports that the polio virus has reportedly re-emerged in Asymptomatic cases within overpopulated areas in the country.