PEOPLE TO BENEFIT FROM REFURBISHED AID POST

More than 2, 000 rural people in the isolated Mount Koiari area in the Kokoda Track region will now have access to basic health and medical services thanks to the recent completion of the renovated Kagi aid post.

Since the closure of the Kagi Aid Post more than five years ago, community members have had to walk for a day to the Efogi health facility to access basic health services.

The Australia Government supported the refurbishment of the Kagi Aid Post through procuring of building materials, airlifting over three tonnes of building materials to site, spending over K3, 000 in airlift, engaging local building contractors working with local community labour and the procurement of medical drug supplies and equipment to rebuild the aid post and the adjoining house for the medical officer in charge.

Kagi community representative Mana David said the re-opening of this health facility will mean women and children will not have to walk far to get medical support.

“It’s been a long-time people of Kagi especially women and children have had to walk to the next nearest aid post to get medical support. Thanks to our governments of Australia and PNG for thinking of our people of Kagi and surrounding communities. Thank you also to SDA Health Services for the support of a health worker in our community,” said Mana.

Over the last five years, Australia has partnered with Papua New Guinea to deliver a range of health, education, and livelihood activities for communities in the Kokoda Track region.

Australian High Commission Counsellor Daniel Wells, who officiated the opening of the Kagi Aid Post, said the re-opening of the health facility marks a significant moment in the lives of people in Kagi ward and greater Mt Koiari area.

This refurbishment work builds on the original construction of the facilities some 10 years ago by Rotary International volunteer from Australia.

Australia also supports the quarterly Maternal and Child Health Patrols across the Kokoda Track region, providing clinical training for health workers, support to village health volunteers and health facility inspections and refurbishments to the 12 health facilities in the region.

Australia continues to work with its partners, Central Provincial Health Authority and Seventh Day Adventist Health Service to maintain health service in Kokoda Track region.