MEDIA RELEASE
19 November 2008
For immediate release
EARLY ACHIEVEMENTS FOR KOKODA DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
Close to a thousand people living midway along the Kokoda Track now have access to improved basic health services, after officials from the Australian and PNG governments re-opened one of the Track’s main health centres today.
Efogi Health Centre is the first along the Track to benefit under the Kokoda Development Program, since the Joint Understanding on Kokoda and the Owen Stanley Ranges was signed between Australia and PNG in April this year.
The Australian Prime Minister’s Special Envoy on Kokoda, Sandy Hollway, and Gunther Joku, Deputy Secretary in PNG’s Department of Environment and Conservation, jointly opened the Health Centre during today’s brief visit to Efogi.
“This is a very significant occasion because it was only six months ago that ministers were signing the historical Joint Understanding and now we have concrete results,” Mr Hollway said just after arriving in Port Moresby last night.
“Work started at Efogi in May with extensive consultations with villagers about their most pressing needs. This consultation process is continuing with other communities along the Track so that roll-out of the Program can continue throughout 2009.”
Improvements made to Efogi Health Centre include the installation of high frequency radios, delivery of medicines, installation of an incinerator, water supply including internal taps and sinks, showers and toilets.
Because of Efogi’s central location, it is also the hub of the Program’s health worker training.
A workshop is currently underway that will provide up-skilling for health workers in essential primary health care including management of health facilities, working with communities, conducting outreach patrols, and management of drugs and supplies.
Following this workshop, a training program will commence for community members from selected locations along the Track to become Village Health Volunteers.
Media Inquiries: Roger Wheatley, AusAID Public Affairs, Ph: 325 9333 ext 471,
Mobile: 697 5571