A major upgrade to a North Bougainville health centre has been completed, the latest project in an Australian and New Zealand government package of support for COVID-19 preparedness and response efforts.
The works, which were finalised on Monday 18 May, have readied Suhin Health Centre to function as a COVID-19 assessment and isolation facility.
The K600,000 upgrade to the health centre was supported by Australia and New Zealand in partnership with the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG).
Bougainville Health Secretary Clement Totavun said the infrastructure is invaluable to the implementation of the ABG’s COVID-19 emergency responses and preparedness plan.
“While there are currently no confirmed cases in Bougainville, the health centre is ready as an isolation ward to treat patients and help prevent the spread of the coronavirus,” he said.
“The upgraded health centre has an eight-bed assessment and isolation facility that links directly to Buka General Hospital.
The health centre upgrade is the latest in a package of Australian and New Zealand government support for COVID-19 preparedness and response in Bougainville..
These were major renovations to the main health centre building, toilets and perimeter fencing. The facility is fully furnished and a new genset was also provided.”
The upgrades were carried out by local contractors, creating jobs and providing stimulus for the economy. The workers were also trained in COVID-19 awareness and basic protective measures.
Surrounding communities also received public health information to raise awareness, improve basic protections against the spread of the virus and dispel rumours, myths and stigma.
The health centre upgrade follows the Australian and New Zealand governments’ donation of four vehicles to the Bougainville Department of Health and support for COVID-19 communications outreach.
The initiatives are a key part of the Australian and New Zealand Governments’ support to the comprehensive COVID-19 response efforts by the PNG Government and the Autonomous Bougainville Government.
The eight-bed assessment and isolation facility will take suspected COVID-19 cases if and when required.
For further information, including access to related materials, please contact the Australian High Commission media team: +675 7090 0100