Hela PHA warns of health risks amid El Niño drought

A public warning has been issued in the Hela province for people to take responsibility of their health and safety of their children as the province struggles with the severe El Nino weather conditions.

Hela Provincial Health Authority CEO Dr James Kintwa said there are concerns of local water sources drying up and this could increase the risk of contamination.

​"My appeal to the public is clear: any water fetched for drinking must be thoroughly boiled first," Dr Kintwa stated.

He also raised strong concern regarding street food vendors operating in Tari Town and along roadside stalls, warning consumers to exercise extreme caution, as due to financial pressures, some vendors might unknowingly or carelessly source water from contaminated supplies.

​​With waterborne illnesses expected to rise, Dr Kintwa warned that diarrhea cases are expected to surge unless the public avoids eating unhygienic, open-air cooked foods.

While acknowledging that street vendors rely on these sales to earn a living, he stressed that the current disaster makes it unsafe.

"Even if meals are prepared with clean water, selling food openly exposes it to heavy dust particles, posing a severe health hazard to both buyers and sellers".

Meantime, Dr Kintwa also announced that the provincial hospital will soon secure its own water supply. Specialized drilling equipment has arrived in the province to establish a borehole on the hospital site.

Dr Kintwa has thanked Hela Provincial Government and relief partners for their support, emphasizing that these crucial interventions will save lives as the drought persists.