CAUSE OF DEAD FISH UNKNOWN, LOCALS URGED TO BE CAUTIOUS
CAPTION: Dead fish washed ashore along the Kafkaf village, Tikana LLG of New Ireland Province.
BY FRANKIY KAPIN
REPORTS of dead fish along the Tikana LLG of Kavieng district in New Ireland province is spreading whilst actual cause of the incident remains unknown.
Whilst affected communities have indicated effects of the eating dead fish and likelihood of being affected by the alleged environmental discharge, the least everyone can do is abide to the notion, ‘Prevention is better than cure.’
New Ireland Provincial Health Promotion Officer Carmela Sabok remarked as investigations by relevant authorities continue into the dead fish incident that is spreading along New Ireland coastline, especially in the Tikana LLG.
Sabok said whilst her team is concerned about verifying livelihood of people and having carried out awareness exercises, people have shared stories of having developed health complications and changes to surrounding environment.
Sabok said after 2 exercises almost 300 people screened including both children and adults in the initial incident village of Kafkaf, the best advise passed on is to take ownership of their health through such exercises that are being conducted.
She said whilst waiting for results pending ongoing investigations, it’s best to report unfamiliar activities and health setbacks now affecting everyone and not go into seclusion so help can be sought in the community.
Sabok said assessments are ongoing of main health centers along the highway including Lemakot, Bol and Kimadan health centers making sure preparedness is up to date.
“So far our people are not going to health centers to get treatment. There is the gap of statistics in order for us to properly pinpoint and address affected areas. There is lack of people presenting themselves to health centers due to many reasons maybe out of fear, financial setbacks or medicine shortage,” Sabok said.
She said whilst the real cause of the problem remains unknown it is best to protect and look after our lives for now.
“Prevention is better than cure,” Sabok said.
She stressed that adherence to strong warning to not consume dead fish from affected areas instead locals are still selling these fish compromising money over health.
