Whilst no one really knows the true extent of PNG’s population, the World Bank reports (based on 2019 data) that the country’s vaccination rates have plummeted over the past 15 years and ranks the lowest in the world for the immunisation of infants against measles, DPT (diphtheria, whooping cough and tetanus) and hepatitis B. Mortality rates, said to be declining, are also difficult to assess with only an estimated 13% of births registered.
One explanation for the low vaccination rates is the geographically challenging nature of PNG which is populated by hard-to-reach, remote communities. Cultural factors also play a role fueled by distrust, misinformation and a reliance on traditional medicines.
Milne Bay Province faces many challenges especially with the delivery of services to its inhabitants and with the development of critical infrastructure. On the mainland there are only a limited number of poorly maintained roads making access to remote villages difficult and with access to the Province’s160 inhabited islands in the Solomon Sea proving an even greater obstacle. The much-preferred delivery of vaccines by aircraft is only possible where there is a working airstrip, and these are few. The isolated mission hospitals and health station locations, where most of the population resides, and include those with some of the poorest immunisation rates, rely solely on sea-based logistics.
Increasing fuel prices are also adding to the cost of delivering services to these remote islands, with diesel doubling in price since the recent pandemic and with no relief in sight.
Restore Mission has been keen to address the marine logistics issues and recently acquired the Endurance, a steel hulled, twin masted schooner, which is currently undergoing a refit in Queensland and expected in PNG waters at the end of 2024. HART Australasia has contributed to some of the refit costs.
HART Australasia is particularly supportive of Endurance’s role as a floating chemist, vaccine supplier as well as a provider of local transport for medical and hospital staff and accords access to vaccines by the inhabitants of these remote islands, especially infants and young children, the highest priority.
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“HART is not just ‘another aid organisation’. We are distinctive in that we combine aid with advocacy, working for peoples suffering from oppression, exploitation and persecution who are generally not served by major aid organisations and are off the radar screen of international media” Caroline (Baroness) Cox