Medical Team on Ground to Examine Possible Causes, Including Food Poisoning.
The Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) is investigating the deaths of three children who passed away within days of each other last week in Wagina, South Choiseul. A six-member team, consisting of doctors, nurses, and health experts from Taro Hospital, has been deployed to the area to conduct a thorough investigation into the causes of the deaths.
The investigation will examine all potential causes, including possible links to recent events in the community. Social media speculation has suggested that the deaths may be related to the recent mass drug administration (MDA) in Wagina. However, MHMS officials consider this connection unlikely, as not all children reportedly received the medications, and there have been reports of severe food poisoning following a local party. The investigation team is working to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the deaths.
The Ministry reassured the public that the medicines used in the MDA are safe. National Neglected Tropical Disease Manager, Mr. Oliver Sokana, stated that the combination of medicines used has been administered to millions worldwide without significant issues. “Minor side effects, such as abdominal discomfort, nausea, and vomiting, may occur in a small portion of the population, but the medicines are very safe,” Sokana explained.
“MHMS takes these deaths very seriously and is conducting a comprehensive investigation. We urge the community of Wagina and Choiseul Province to give authorities the time needed to determine the causes, whether they relate to food poisoning or another factor. The Ministry will release a report once the investigation is completed,” added Mr. Sokana.
With MHMS
