The consequences for Australia of low vaccination rates in PNG and the Pacific

There are two aspects of the Covid-19 position in Papua New Guinea that simply must concern the Australian Government and community.

The first is that Covid-19 cases are grossly under-reported and are highly likely to be even higher than the 30,000 cases in Australia. But almost all the PNG cases have been since February this year. Death numbers are also under reported.

The second is that there is overwhelming evidence of widespread community resistance to both testing and vaccination. It would seem that only a few thousand of the rural majority have been vaccinated both due to resistance and the complexity of rolling out vaccinations in a country where the health system has essentially "failed". Even when vaccines are available, the health workers needed to administer them is in very short supply.

The Australian Government needs to urgently review its whole approach to responding to the pandemic in PNG. Our approach in the other island neighbours is working effectively.

I strongly believe we have to urgently look at the total PNG health system –a failed system that has the potential to make the pandemic much worse!

Papua New Guinea risks being effectively isolated for years. The economic and social consequences of that for PNG, and for Australia, will be absolutely catastrophic.

Public health education has to be undertaken – but that will take years.

Restoring public confidence in the health system will also take time and money. But it ought to be our starting point, bringing together the wonderful resources of the Christian churches, NGO groups such as YWAM and the Australian health system.

This is not just a great opportunity for Australia to help our closest neighbour. It is a unique opportunity to enhance what is truly "the Australian national interest" A rampant pandemic on our border is a threat we simply have to fully comprehend and respond to!