CITY PHARMACY OUTLETS, KEY SITES FOR TETANUS VACCINATION & BIRTH REGISTRATION

By Vonu LIBITINO

TETANUS vaccinations are now available at City Pharmacy outlets nationwide, alongside National Identification (NID) services and birth registrations.

This new initiative is a result of a public-private partnership (PPP) between City Pharmacy Limited (CPL), the National Department of Health (NDoH) through the National Capital District Provincial Health Authority (NCDPHA), and UNICEF.

The program was officially launched today at the City Pharmacy nurse station inside Stop & Shop Central Waigani.

Acting Chief Executive Officer (A/CEO) of NCDPHA, Dr. Michael Dokup, described the launch as a lifesaving event.

“The launch represents our collective determination to eliminate suffering and death from a disease that we already have the tools to prevent. And it is about saving lives through vaccination,” he said.

Dr. Dokup explained that NCDPHA is implementing the tetanus immunization campaign using both mobile and static strategies.

All 26 health facilities within NCD are providing tetanus immunizations, while mobile teams reach into communities.

“NCDPHA has already vaccinated more than 50% of girls and women aged 15 to 44. We are working hard to vaccinate more to reach the national target of over 80% to achieve elimination status,” he added.

UNICEF Country Representative Dr. Veera Mendonca acknowledged gaps in maternal and child health, noting that less than 50% of PNG children are fully immunized and only 13% have their births registered.

“This partnership is about making sure all our mothers and children get immunized, and that they are counted—by ensuring they receive their birth certificates,” she said.

CPL’s Head of Pharmacy, Mr. Pradeep Panda, expressed pride in partnering on the campaign, which aligns with CPL’s commitment to community health.

“We have a presence in 19 provinces, with 1.5 million people visiting our stores monthly—most in prominent, easily accessible locations. This makes it very convenient for people to access our sites.

Through this public-private partnership, we’re not only raising awareness and providing education via our retail platform but also delivering services with the support of our experienced pharmacists and nurses who can carry out a wide range of activities,” he said.

Tetanus vaccination and NID/birth registration stations have already been set up at Stop & Shop outlets and operate from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays, and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on weekends.