The collective Civil Society Organizations, Magna Carte PNG, has requested an update to outcomes from the side event to King Charles III Coronation.
According to the Commonwealth News, this event, hosted by the Commonwealth Secretariat, was a gathering of spouses and partners as well as other invited guests at the Commonwealth Secretariat’s Headquarters in London, to focus action needed to accelerate the elimination of cervical cancer and tackle challenges impeding progress towards this goal and an opportunity to discuss a coordinated approach to eliminating the disease.
The event was supposed to have been attended by PNG Prime Minister, James Marape’s wife, Rachel Marape. In her stead, the daughter of the now stood down Foreign Minister Justin Tkatchenko’s daughter, Ms. Savannah Tkatchenko attended.
Speaking on behalf of the seven Civil Organizations that make up Magna Carta PNG, Ms. Shirley Kaupa said this event was very important to attend as cervical cancer is such a heavy concern in the country right now.
“Cervical Cancer was a silent killer. It is now a very loud killer!.”
“Every day, every week, we are seeing fundraising events being held, for a woman who has Stage 3 cervical cancer or for someone who needs to travel overseas, to receive cervical cancer treatment.”
Ms Kaupa explained that it’s imperative that Ms. Tkatchenko shared the insights gained from her attendance to this very important meet of spouses and partners of the heads of Commonwealth Nations.
“What were the discussions held? What are the outcomes from this meeting? Ms. Tkatchenko needs to share all these information in some kind of news release.”
The spokeswoman for Magna Carta PNG said this event was very important but unfortunately, it was treated like a sightseeing holiday.
“It would have been a real privilege for Mrs. Marape to attend this meeting, as she would have been given the opportunity to talk about this very pressing issue and bring awareness to the lack of help available to cervical cancer patients in the country.”
Magna Carta PNG maintained that if Mrs. Marape was unable to attend, someone well versed on cervical cancer and serving in the Health Sector, would have been better suited to attend this meet.
“We don’t have the proper medical facilities and equipment to treat cervical cancer in the country, not even a specialized cancer hospital or center.”
“Since Ms. Tkatchenko attended, she now has the responsibility and duty to share the knowledge she gained from attending. Papua New Guineans need to know what the plans for action are and the kind of assistance that is expected.”