In PNG and other parts of the Pacific scabies, a mite infection, is endemic. An application was received by Franciscan Aid for the translation of educational materials into Tok Pisin and illustrations in a style culturally applicable to Melanesia. These educational materials explain the prevention and treatment of scabies. The disease prominently affects children (probably in excess of 25% of all children)
The education materials will support a wider programme, involving treatment on a village by village basis. It will be led on a volunteer basis by a leading Australian dermatologist. A nurse will be employed part-time. The initiative will involve treatment of a whole village. This takes into account the social transmission of the disease. The intention is that two villages will be treated in 2024 ( in the order of 500 people), but the request will enable production of 2000 brochures.
Franciscan Aid hopes to be able to continue to support this amazing work.