Misinformation Fuels PNG COVID-19 Outbreak

Image:Shutterstock; Lia Kos

A new report from Amnesty International has found that online misinformation has been a major factor in Papua New Guinea’s recent COVID-19 outbreak. The new report, led by Pacific Researcher, Kate Scheutze, comes just days after PNG MP, Richard Mendani died from the virus.

Papau New Guinea this week received 8,000 emergency vaccines from the Australian Government, in what should be a valauble boost to the country. At this stage though, only 40% of the Doctor Profession has promised that they will take the vaccine, leaving concerns that the vaccines sent to Papua New Guinea will go to waste.

Produced By: Andrew Herlinger

Featured In Story: Kate Schuetze, Pacific researcher, Amnesty International, and Yaman Kutlu, PNG Country Program Manager, Australian Doctors International

First aired on The Wire, Monday 29 March 2021