The National Protection Sector Committee under the National Disaster Operation Sector Committees (N-DOC) has supported the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department of the National Referral Hospital with equipment to improve infection and prevention control measures within the department during the current COVID- 19 situation in the country. 

The items which included disinfections, garbage bins, buckets, basins, mops and other cleaning items were handed over to the Medical Superintendent Dr Janella Solomon, Head of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department Dr Leeanne Panisi and Department Nurse Managers last week.  

Chair of NDOC Protection Sector Committee Mr Aaron Pitaqae said the committee is pleased to support the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department as one of the committee’s key focus area is supporting pregnant mothers and new born babies as they are usually most vulnerable during any disaster including the COVID-19 pandemic.  

He said the committee believes the items will support the department to continue to provide services to women and children during the COVID-19 community transmission and ensure they are protected against the virus. 

Mr Pitaqae adds such support is a joint coordination between the National Disaster Operation Sector Committees (N-DOC) hence the Health and Protection Sectors. 

Medical Superintendent Dr Janella Solomon and Head of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department Dr Leeanne Panisi when acknowledging the support said the items will go a long way to assist with improving the Infections Prevention and Control measures in the Department especially during this COVID 19 situation in the country.

The National Protection Sector Committee is one of the committees of the National Disaster Operation Sector Committees (N-DOC) which focuses on the protection of the most vulnerable group of people - children, pregnant  women, elderly and people with disability, during the COVID-19 response through provision of kits for children in quarantine facilities, coordination of the National Referral Pathway for Gender based violence (SAFENET) to ensure protection and welfare services for victims of domestic violence and child abuse are maintained and accessible, support psychosocial counseling services and provision of dignity kits for people with disability. SAFENET and Counselling services can also be accessed through the SAFENET free helpline 132. The Committee is chaired by the Ministry of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs.