More than 10 tonnes of food supplies have been donated by ExxonMobil PNG, operator of the PNG LNG Project, to health clinics in Hela Province to support frontline workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The donation stems from a food drive initiative, coordinated by ExxonMobil PNG’s Social Club, where staff donated food items for health clinics neighbouring the Hides Gas Conditioning Plant in Para, Mananda, Kindipa and Idauwi.
To further strengthen the donation and support provided, ExxonMobil PNG supported the donations from its staff, by donating additional food supplies.
Keith Killian, Executive Director at ExxonMobil PNG, said the company remains committed to supporting healthcare workers to ensure they can continue to carry out their important roles in the country’s COVID-19 response.
“During these unprecedented times, supporting our hard-working doctors and nurses goes beyond just ensuring they are equipped with the tools needed to perform their roles, but making sure their mental and physical health is also taken care of.
“We hope this donation goes a long way to help ease the pressure they might be feeling as they juggle supporting their families while focusing on the health of their communities,” he said.
The food donations consisted of dry items such as rice, flour, sugar, milk, biscuits, cereal, tinned food and toiletry items.
Luke Tosup, Officer in Charge at the Edauwi Health Centre, said the donation of food supplies was timely to assist not only in the operations of the health centre, but support workers and their families.
“Donations like this go a long way to ensure our workers continue to focus on and provide critical health services, we thank ExxonMobil PNG for this kind donation and as a community we are very grateful,” he said.
Recently, ExxonMobil PNG also donated six tonnes of frozen items to Bel isi PNG and Cheshire disAbility Services to help assist Papua New Guineans impacted by COVID-19.
The company is also supporting the PNG Government in its efforts to prevent the spread of the virus with the donation of critical medical equipment such as personal protective equipment, thermometers and screening shelters; the collaboration in preventative health and hygiene awareness across PNG LNG Project areas and logistical support in remote regions.