Investigations into the deaths of three children in Wagina, Choiseul Province, last
week has been initiated by the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS).
The three died within days of each other according to the MHMS.
A six-member medical team comprising of doctors, nurses and other health experts
from Taro Hospital are on the ground in Wagina to investigate the causes of the
deaths.
A statement from MHMS) said investigations will be comprehensive and will examine
all possible causes.
In brushing aside social media speculations that the deaths may be related to the
recent mass drug administration in the community, MHMS said that connection is
unlikely.
The health team will also substantiate reports that not all children received
necessary medicines and further reports of severe food poisoning following a party.
MHMS National Neglected Tropical Disease Manager Oliver Sokana explained that
the combination of medicines used in the MDA is very safe and has been used by
millions of people around the world.
“Minor side effects of the medicines such as abdominal discomfort, nausea and
vomiting may be experienced by a small portion of the population but the medicines
are very safe,” Sokana said.
He called on the people of Choiseul Province, especially the Wagina community to
allow authorities enough time to investigate the cause(s) of the deaths, to find out
whether they were related to food poisoning or another cause.
A report detailing the findings will be released upon the completion of the assessments
and investigations.
