Health authorities in Papua New Guinea are battling a malaria outbreak in Morobe Province which has forced the suspension of classes at a school.
Photo: lamyai/123RF
The head teacher at Bia-Waria school in Bulolo told The National newspaper the outbreak began in December.
Jairus Yabang said he suspended classes indefinitely as four of the school's six teachers were severely affected as were many of the students.
Communication difficulties and financial constraints faced by the Morobe administration delayed the delivery of medical assistance by the provincial health authority, he said
However, after intervention from MP Sam Basil and a disease control officer, three nurses had been sent to Bulolo to assess the situation and treat those affected by the outbreak.
The officer said nearly 200 people had tested positive for malaria in the area, with two critically ill patients evacuated to Lae hospital.