A Royal Australian Air Force C-17A Globemaster III from No. 36 Squadron, departed RAAF Base Amberley on Tuesday 23 March, delivering critical COVID-19 vaccines and consumables, Australian Medical Assistance Team members and additional humanitarian supplies to Papua New Guinea.
This is part of a whole-of-Australian-Government response to a Papua New Guinea Government request for assistance, following increasing COVID-19 cases in the nation.
The Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea, Mr James Marape and the Australian High Commissioner, Mr Jon Philp are among those welcoming the arrival of the first vaccines for COVID-19 for PNG.
Nationally about 1,131 personnel are deployed as part of Operation COVID-19 Assist around the country.
Current nationwide Defence support includes Vaccine Delivery Teams supporting the Department of Health’s vaccine roll-out in aged care and disability facilities as well as supporting law enforcement agencies with mandatory quarantine arrangements.
In Queensland 256 personnel are assisting as part of Operation COVID-19 Assist with 176 personnel supporting quarantine compliance management efforts, including at airports and hotels.
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