Accessibility of maternal and newborn health care to communities is expected to be addressed in East New Britain with the rollout of the Supplementary Immunization Activity (SIA).
The immunization program, which started in May, is being wrapped up this week by the 10 teams of health workers under the Rabaul Provincial Hospital, Gelagela Health Center and Rabaul Town Urban Clinic.
District Health Coordinator Garry Mano said they are running according to their schedule, which will include a cover a mop-up verification of data that was collected during the first two weeks of the SIA rollout.
“In the first two weeks, we saw that there are still many children in our target population in the communities that need to be immunized and were not reached due to various factors such the wet season and in-house issues.”
“So, we have strategized to go door to door.”
He added the Rabaul District Administration through its DDA allocated funding through its health facility to support drive the outreach program in the district due to the low coverage in the past years and the need to increase accessibility to these services to the communities.
“I am appealing to ward members and ward development committees to assist health officers as they are moving into respective wards, make time for them and collaborate to collect vital data that must be captured to help in future planning and programs.”
“I am once again appealing to families is that your children’s health is too precious. Vaccines are free, safe, and effective in keeping them healthy.”
“By keeping up to date with vaccines, you are giving your children a shot at a brighter future.”
Mr Mano further stated that Gelagela Health Centre has 16 clinic points, Rabaul Urban has 13 and RPH has 11 clinic points and urged those in these vicinities to bring your child forward to get immunized.