Oil Search Limited Vice President Government Affairs & Office of the Managing Director, Wayne Kasou (Left) and Oil Search Foundation Contracts & Admin Senior Manager, Annie Turi (Right) present the face shields to Deputy Incident Manager, National Control Centre (NCC), Dr Melinda Susapo (middle) at the NCC warehouse in Port Moresby.
In Papua New Guinea (PNG), where we are challenged with a global pandemic, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is needed now more than ever, especially for the front-line health workers.
Through a partnership approach, SmartAID Australia, an organisation that works mostly in disaster zones around the globe specialising in technology for humanitarian relief, and Toyota, were able to partner with Oil Search Limited (OSL) and Oil Search Foundation (OSF) to supply over 4,000 face shields to health workers in the country. DHL Australia and Native Industries also came onboard to ensure these face shields were delivered at no cost.
Director of SmartAID Australia, Raana Walker said, “Seeing this COVID-19 crisis unfold on our doorstep spurred SmartAID Australia into action, leading this campaign to provide medical face shields to our nearest neighbour in PNG. We must do all we can to help in this global fight against an invisible threat, we are stronger together. Global aid depends on strategic Partnerships such as these, enabling SmartAID and our Partners to achieve the greatest impact in humanitarian crises possible, delivering aid quickly, where it is most needed. We are incredibly fortunate and grateful to Oil Search, Toyota and DHL for supporting this campaign.”
OSL Senior Vice President Government Affairs Wayne Kasou said, “Collaboration with government and partners is very important in responding to the growing threat of COVID-19 in the country. This partnership will see non-disposable face shields available to our health care professionals at Port Moresby General Hospital, Provincial Health Authorities (PHA) in Hela, Southern Highlands, Gulf and the National Control Centre. This is a demonstration of meaningful partnerships and OSF’s continued support to our communities during these challenging times.
“Beyond the safety and wellbeing of our own people where we operate, we stand ready to work with relevant government and health authorities to assist in PNG’s overall response to the virus. This includes the dissemination of accurate information around COVID-19 and vaccinations, supporting PHA’s to implement an effective vaccination program, and providing logistics and cold chain support where required and as directed by the PNG Government.” adds Kasou
Port Moresby General Hospital, Director Medical Services, Dr Kone Sobi said, “Face shields provide a high level of protection for the wearer. In this current crisis or surge, our health workers are at high risk, and so we need to be fully equipped and prepared to mitigate the spread of COVID. Donations like this from partners show us that we are all working together to combat this virus.
PPE donated to Port Moresby General Hospital. Director Medical Services, Dr Kone Sobi of PMGH received donation from OSF Rep.
