Port Moresby – The International Organization for Migration (IOM), in partnership Government of Papua New Guinea, and in close collaboration with the French Embassy in Papua New Guinea and key stakeholders, hosted a presentation ceremony yesterday (22/10) to hand over vital medical equipment and tools to assist communities affected by the Mulitaka landslide in Enga province.  

The equipment and tools include 100 obstetric wheels, 15 fetal stethoscopes, 10 hospital bed screens with wheels, 10 stainless steel IV drip stands, 10 nurses’ stethoscopes, 10 infant stethoscopes, 5 patient examination couches with adjustable backrest and hospital grade PVC mattress, 4 pneumatic hospital beds with hospital grade PVC mattress, 4 foot suction machines, and 3 baby scales 

Held in Port Moresby, the event marked a significant step in the ongoing efforts to restore healthcare services in the Mulitaka area. 

“From the outset, the Mulitaka landslide has drawn global attention, with crucial support from international donors, including the French Government,” said Mr. Martin Mose, Deputy Director for Community Government Liaison at the National Disaster Centre. “However, despite significant progress, the needs of the people in Enga remain immense. This donation of medical equipment is a crucial step, but we must continue collaborating to address the broader challenges facing the community,” he added. 

Dr. Betty Koka, Director of the Public Health Services Division of the Enga Provincial Health Authority, received the medical equipment and tools on behalf of the Enga Provincial Government. She acknowledged the Governor of Enga Province, Honourable Sir Peter Ipatas, and the provincial government’s leadership for their tireless efforts in delivering aid and restoring access to basic services for the Mulitaka disaster-affected population. “This medical equipment will significantly enhance our efforts to restore healthcare services. I am truly grateful for the support we have received from our international partners,” she said. 

She also urged the government to adopt the cluster or sector system used in the Mulitaka response as a standard approach for future disaster management. “We have witnessed the effectiveness of the sector approach in this response, and I encourage the government to consider institutionalizing this system for disaster response,” she emphasized. 

The French Ambassador to Papua New Guinea, His Excellency, Pierre Fournier alongside representatives from the United Nations (UN), officially handed over the equipment highlighting, “We are here today not just to deliver medical equipment but to stand in solidarity with the people of Enga province. The French government remains committed to providing ongoing support to ensure that communities can rebuild their lives. I look forward to visiting the disaster site personally soon.”  

The UN Resident Coordinator in Papua New Guinea, Dr. Richard Stephen Howard, highlighted the complexity of disaster risk management in Enga Province, noting both the landslide and the broader socio-economic challenges in the area. “Though the Mulitaka landslide may seem localized, its impact is far-reaching,” he remarked. “The recovery process is multifaceted, and the ongoing support of the international community is essential. I want to personally thank the donors and partners for their continued collaboration in addressing these challenges,” he added. 

The medical equipment and tools handed over, funded generously by the French government, will directly benefit approximately 7,000 local residents in the Maip Mulitaka Rural Local Level Government in Enga Province. 

The ceremony concluded with partners reaffirming their commitment to ongoing recovery efforts. Representatives from the French Embassy, Government of Papua New Guinea, Aspen Medical, members of the media, and the UN were present to witness this significant event. 

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For further information, please contact IOM Port Moresby:  

Peter Murorera, Tel: +675 321 36 55, Email: pmurorera@iom.int   

Anne Mandal, Tel: +675 72026763, Email: amandal@iom.int