Posted on 02 November 2021
A crisis that’s largely hidden to the world is unfolding in Papua New Guinea (PNG) as Covid surges, overwhelming an already fragile health system with an escalating toll of sickness and death.
Papua New Guinea authorities have approved a mass burial to take pressure off Port Moresby’s hospital morgue where bodies are stacked on top of each other as covid cases surge. The burial of more than 200 bodies comes as health teams around the country report being attacked as they took part in vaccination programs.
Australia has deployed an additional Australian Medical Assistance Team (AUSMAT) and a further 14 Australian Defence Force personnel to partner with Papua New Guinea in its response to Covid.