12 Malaria Microscopists graduate

12 Malaria Microscopists representing PNG’s highest burden malaria provinces underwent a 5 days course that assesses the competency of malaria microscopists when analysing different malaria parasites.
The assessor of the course, Dr Ken Lilley from the World Health Organisation said the course is a very important course as it will determine how good the Microscopists are what areas they need to improve on.
“The important thing about this course is helping them to get better in what they do, which will then assist them to diagnose malaria accurately, faster and they can be able to treat patients quicker and save lives” said Dr Lilley.

Out of the 12 participants, 2 participants moved from level 4 to level 1 and 2 of microscopist after completing the whole course.
Caroline Gaudi from the Public Health Laboratory at the Port Moresby General is the 4th microscopists in the country o reach level 1 where she joins her boss Mr Ernest Velemu who is also level microscopists.

Out of the top 4 microscopists in the country, two have retired which leaves Ms Gaudi and Mr Velemu as the only two level 1 microscopists in the country.
Ms Gaudi said the course has really boosted her profession and she has leant a lot especially in diagnosing malaria faster.

“What I do at the lab is very challenging at times but after completing this course, I know I’m capable of overcoming those challenges and to top things off, I just moved up to level 1! And that is one of the biggest achievements in my life” said Ms Gaudi.
Apart from Ms Gaudi, Joshaiah Nara from the Modillion hospital in Madang has also moved up to level 2 of microscopist.

Both participants are pleased with what they’ve both achieved and they are looking forward in utilising what they’ve gained in eliminating malaria in the country.
The course was facilitated under the Australia-China Papua New Guinea Pilot Cooperation Project on Malaria Control.  read more >> PNG Education News

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