NGO Development Council in PNG calls for unity in fighting COVID-19 infection rates and spread of misinformation

Papua New Guinea's NGO Development Council (NDC) is urging government representatives, non-government organisations, community leaders, healthcare professionals, and religious leaders to unite in the fight against COVID-19 and vaccine misinformation. ChildFund PNG Country Director Bridgette Thorold, chair of the NDC, says a lack of consensus among leadership is slowing down decision-making on key issues and exposing frontline workers to possible infection and even death. At the same time, the spread of false, misleading, and scientifically incorrect information, mostly via online channels, is creating an environment in which misleading rumours are leading to testing reluctance, concerns about treatment options, and an unwillingness to be vaccinated. To avoid what is fast becoming a humanitarian crisis on a scale PNG has never seen before, the NGO Development Council (NDC) calls on all those with influence to unify a nation, as the future of both the people and health system depends on it. Read the full statement .