NIP launches malaria elimation plan

The New Ireland Provincial Health Authority launched their ambitious Malaria Elimination Strategic Plan 2024 - 2028 today in Kavieng, marking also the World Malaria Day.

Launched under the theme 'Malaria Ends With us. Reinvest, reignite and reimagine', the five-year Malaria plan is aimed at eliminating malaria in the province with support from the community, PHA and key stakeholder partners.

The launch saw New Ireland governor Walter Schnaubelt, head of PNG Institute of Medical Research professor William Pomat, chairlady of the New Ireland PHA Dame Maria Kopkop, chief executive officer Dr. Stennarrd Hiashiri, and senior executive management of the New Ireland PHA and provincial administration.

The five year plan was brought in by representatives of the New Ireland community based malaria volunteers, and received by Professor William Pomat, Dame Maria Kopkop and Dr. Stennard Hiashiri.

The plan was officially launched by Governor Schnaubelt at midday today. Participating students from various schools attended, along with stakeholder partners and members of the community.

Professor Pomat whilst thanking New Ireland PHA for this ambitious plan launch, said; "New Ireland is in the forefront, with this plan as a bottom up planning it is the way forward and as a research organisation, we are here to help."

Hiashiri thanked all partners and those who have put together the plan, and said they are committed to working with the governor and all who pledged their support.

He said they have been committed to raise the level of PHA NIP from 17 placing to 6th in the country, and now they will be more committed to bring it's status to level 3.