IOM welcomes JPY 1,019,000,000 (approx, USD 6.9 million) contribution from Japan to help strengthen border control in responding to infectious diseases in Pacific Island countries

Papua New Guinea, Port Moresby — The Government of Japan has contributed JPY 1,019,000,000 (approx. USD 6.9 million) to the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to strengthen the capacity of border control in responding to infectious diseases in Pacific Island countries. Approximately USD 900,000 of the contribution will be allocated for project activities in PNG.

The scope of the project includes Papua New Guinea as well as the Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu, and intends to benefit people transiting through targeted points of entry (PoEs) in Pacific countries as well as public health law enforcement officials in border areas.

The six PoEs in Papua New Guinea supported by the project are Port Moresby Jackson's International Airport, Port Moresby Seaport, Vanimo Land Border, Weam Land Border, Buka Airport and Kieta Seaport.

Border management infrastructure and public health equipment provided to Papua New Guinea will include:

• Handwashing stations
• Toilet stations
• Isolation unit/quarantine facility
• COVID testing points / screening area upgrades
• Thermal scanner, including equipment to support thermal scanners
• Emergency response equipment- first aid kits, first aid responder bags, emergency blankets, emergency rescue devices for suffocation
• Two Ambulances – to be stationed at the Jackson's International Airport to serve as needed to airport and seaport, and in Vanimo land border crossing point/PoE
• Hazardous waste management disposal

In Papua New Guinea, all handwashing and toilet stations installed at POEs need a thorough review, as most of them at land and sea PoEs are not designed for non-contact procedures.

Furthermore, the project includes ‘Prepare, deliver, and evaluate’ training via E-Campus, in-person workshops and webinars.

Papua New Guinea’s Chief Migration Officer, Mr. Stanis Hulahau, said Covid-19 has taught us of the importance of personal hygiene, sanitation, health and management and control of infectious diseases at all points of entry.

“The PNG Immigration and Citizenship Authority (ICA) welcomes this initiative and we are grateful to be a recipient of this project amongst other Pacific Island countries. These initiatives would improve our border capabilities including staff capacity training and infrastructure and would enable us to respond to suspected infectious health cases immediately upon detection at the PoEs,” said Mr Hulahau.

Japanese Ambassador to PNG Mr. Nobuyuki Watanabe said: “In PNG, travel restrictions related to COVID-19 have been eased and economic activity has increased as more people come and go through airports and ports. Therefore, it is increasingly important to take effective and reliable infection control measures at border entry points. In this context, we are pleased that Japanese funds through IOM will be used for infection control measures at the border, contributing to the health and safety of the people and supporting economic activities. We hope that the equipment to be provided will be effectively maintained and managed. Japan will continue to support both infection control measures and economic activities.”

“The planned interventions are part of IOM’s strategy to support the Government by strengthening the border and immigration management capabilities to respond better to future pandemics and contribute to enhancing health and well-being of all. The project will provide upgrading of infrastructure, improved technical solutions and enhanced skills development. IOM shall work closely with the PNG Immigration and Citizenship Authority and other government agencies to respond to potential public health emergencies” said Chief of IOM Mission, Serhan Aktoprak. 

In Papua New Guinea, this project will be synergetic with IOM’s “Integrating WASH, Nutrition, MNH interventions for COVID-19 Response in Western Province, Papua New Guinea” project, where IOM installed or rehabilitated safe drinking water sources in identified locations, including traditional border crossing points and/or check points.

***

About the Government of Japan: Japan provides funds (grants, loans, etc.) and technical assistance that are useful for “development”, including peacebuilding, governance, promotion of basic human rights and humanitarian assistance, in the form of Official Development Assistance (ODA) to eligible countries and regions. ODA includes bilateral aid to directly assist developing countries and regions, and multilateral aid, which consist of contributions to international organizations.

About IOM: IOM is the leading intergovernmental organization in the field of migration and works closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners. With 174 member states, a further 8 states holding observer status and across the globe, IOM is dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It does so by providing services and advice to governments and migrants. Click HERE for more information about IOM PNG.

For more information or an interview request, please contact:

Kenichi Tanimoto, Embassy of Japan in Papua New Guinea, +675 321 1800, kenichi.tanimoto@mofa.go.jp

Serhan Aktoprak, IOM Papua New Guinea, Tel: +675 321 3655, saktoprak@iom.int