WHO visits PNGIMR

According to a media statement, the World Health Organization (WHO) will maintain the effort of supporting the government to deal with the high rate of maternal deaths in Papua New Guinea (PNG).

The Regional Director for Western Pacific Region of WHO, Dr Takeshi Kasai, was on his first visit to PNG on Wednesday, February 27 to meet with the government leaders and representatives in discussing how WHO will continue with its work with the government to address PNG’s health challenges.

He has met with the polio response team in Port Moresby and on Friday, March 1, he travelled to one of the most affected provinces, the Eastern Highlands, to support the polio vaccination campaign.

Dr Kasai and his team paid a visit to the Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research (PNGIMR) to discuss the work of PNGIMR and how PNGIMR operates.

The PNGIMR Director, Dr William Pomat with all Head Units gave overviews of their units – and Dr Kasai was impressed with the work of PNGIMR.

“Although we (WHO) do not carry out the research, we always ask questions when in the field like why or how come – that has motivated us to continue in supporting the work of IMR,” said Dr Kasai.

He said that he was excited to come to PNGIMR and learn of the interesting works carried out by the IMR to help improve the health of this country through the National Department of Health (NDoH).