Public and private sector partners join forces on COVID-19 awareness in Madang

Above: A COVID-19 awareness billboard is installed at a health facility in PNG’s Madang Province. Image: World Vision PNG.

Australian Humanitarian Partnership (AHP) NGOs in Papua New Guinea (PNG) are part of a significant public-private partnership in Madang Province to ensure some of the most rural and remote districts receive COVID-19 information.

Partners are working with the Madang Provincial Government’s COVID-19 Response Command Centre and include World Vision PNG with support from the PNG-Australia Partnership through the AHP, Madang Art Maniacs, Catholic Health Services, NGO Pro, Sales Corporative NGO, Madang Chamber of Commerce, Melanesian Foundation. Together, they are conducting COVID-19 awareness sessions across six districts.

Partners distributed COVID-19 information, education and communication (IEC) materials, shared digital copies of COVID-19 awareness jingles and videos and displayed COVID-19 banners in public spaces, schools and health facilities to convey government-approved messaging on how to stop the spread of the virus.

The partners visited more than 20 schools in four districts (Madang, Bogia, Middle Ramu and Sumkar) and conducted handwashing demonstrations. They also provided support to teachers and school administration committees so that they understand the conditions expected of the ‘new normal’ as directed by the Madang COVID-19 Response Command Centre and the Education Department.

During the awareness sessions, partners explained the State of Emergency declared by the Government of PNG and what it meant at the provincial and community levels. Many of those who attended mentioned that it was the first time they had lived under a State of Emergency, and they were grateful for the information on what what was required of them. They were also appreciative of the COVID-19 information they received, as one government official, Bernard Jerombi from Middle Ramu District explained.

“We honestly thought that COVID-19 was like any other cold or flu that we’ve experienced before. We thought that it had already been eradicated, but we are truly thankful for the visit by the team and the information and messages shared with us, so we are able to better understand COVID-19 and take measures and change behaviours to better protect ourselves in the community,” Mr Jerombi said. 

With four districts covered and two more to reach, the partnership between public and private stakeholders is projected to reach a large number of rural residents in Madang, as World Vision Communications Officer, Rodney Baim, explained.

“We are so grateful for the support of the partners in this joint awareness campaign. So far, we have reached more than 10,000 men, women and children with IEC awareness materials, displayed COVID-19 billboards and signs at 10 health facilities which will cover catchment populations of approximately 40,000 by the end of this campaign. I estimate that we reach approximately 100,000 people,” Rodney said.