Can the churches save our closest neighbour from a total COVID catastrophe?

By involving the Australian churches directly it does not just by-pass an inefficient and failed PNG government health system it brings Australians closer to our closest neighbours in a way we can see real outcomes.

The churches of Papua New Guinea seem to have been marginalised during the pandemic. Now we know they are under-resourced and under real pressure in delivering vital health services.

As ever, Papua New Guinea's biggest "industry" – politics – has dominated. Yet the political system and political leaders have let the good people of PNG down very badly.

The churches of Papua New Guinea offer a beacon of hope in these troubled times. The Australian Government, in partnership with the Australian churches, need to give then the added resources they need to help save Papua New Guinea for an even greater catastrophe than it already faces.

It might cost $100 million or more in the immediate future – but that can be in lieu of another cash handout to the PNG Government that won't ever really benefit the people.

Time is short, the need is urgent. Seeking to deliver support via a failed health bureaucracy and process would represent not just a failed opportunity – it would let down good people who desperately need help now.