A study of the health status of the Wapi people in Enga Province, Papua New Guinea
Lombange, C.K.; Lakipane, M.; Papak, J.
Papua and New Guinea Medical Journal 30(3): 229-237
1987
ISSN/ISBN: 0031-1480 PMID: 3478927 Document Number: 292882
The Wapi Enga-speaking people have only recently come into contact with the modern world. Medical services in the area were introduced in 1967 and have been entirely administered by aid post orderlies (APOs). The present study of aid post medical services in the area, using a morbidity survey and retrospective assessment of mortality, indicates that with the presence of an APO there is lower morbidity and mortality from a range of illnesses. It is suggested that aid post orderlies still play a vital role in providing primary health care in rural areas of Papua New Guinea. Unless supervision of APOs is supportive as well as corrective and the existing primary health services are improved in the country, 'Health for All by the Year 2000' will not be achieved in Papua New Guinea.