The Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) with the support from the Australian Government, is helping transport one million doses of the antibiotic azithromycin to West Sepik Province as part of efforts to eliminate yaws.

The first shipment was flown from Lae to Vanimo earlier this month by an Australian Defence Force (ADF) aircraft. The medicines were donated by Brazilian pharmaceutical company EMS through the World Health Organization (WHO).

Yaws is an infectious disease that mainly affects children and can cause skin sores and damage to bones and joints if left untreated. However, it can be cured with a single dose of antibiotics.

The medicines will support a mass drug administration campaign led by the West Sepik Provincial Health Authority, targeting the province’s entire population to help stop the spread of the disease.

Around 50 pallets weighing 6,800 kilograms will be transported from Lae to Vanimo over several flights, with support from Australia, the National Department of Health, WHO and the Japan International Cooperation Agency.

The operation highlights PNG and Australia’s ongoing partnership in supporting critical health initiatives and improving access to healthcare for communities in West Sepik and across Papua New Guinea.