Education the way to go to reduce spread of dengue fever in PNG

A BUSINESS executive of the largest agriculture company, New Britian Palm Oil Limited (NBPO), is calling on the PNG Government to deal aggressively with dengue fever awareness.

NBPOL country manager Robert Nilkare is concerned that the lack of proper awareness in communities and families on issues and impacts surrounding dengue fever will be tantamount to loss of lives.

He said there is no proper treatment for dengue fever so education is the way to go.

"There is no proper treatment to procure for dengue fever so we must start educating our people to start cleaning their yards and stop breeding grounds for mosquitoes," he said.

"We must educate our people on prevention measures, such as reducing mosquito habitat areas and limiting exposure to mosquito bites", he said.

NBPOL is concerned that the lack of awareness by the Health Department could result in its employees getting sick with this disease.

He asked that this matter be addressed at the national level.

Towards the end of last week, Health Minister Michael Malabag said in a statement that two people in the National Capital District have already died from dengue Fever and the number of people falling ill with dengue fever is rising. Many cases are reporting at Port Moresby General Hospital accident and emergency department which is putting stress on the existing resources. Press Release