Relocation Guide: Papua New Guinea Our guide to living and working overseas
Papua New Guinea Overview
The mainland of Papua New Guinea, together with its six hundred offshore islands has a diverse population. Most of the local people are part of the Melanesian, Micronesian and Polynesian population. The country is also one of the worlds least explored, culturally and geographically, and many undiscovered species of plants and animals are thought to exist in the interior of Papua New Guinea. It is also one of the most rural locations, with only 18% of its people living in urban centres.
Area: 2,723 km2 Capital City: Paris Currency: Euro Government: Democratic Republic Language: French Paris Population: 10,197,678 Population Density: 24,948 /km² Religion: Christian
The spectrum of Papua New Guinean society now ranges from traditional village-based life, dependent on subsistence and small cash-crop agriculture, to modern urban life in the main cities of Port Moresby (capital), Lae, Madang, Wewak, Goroka, Mt Hagen, and Rabaul. Papua New Guinea is richly endowed with natural resources; however exploitation has been hampered by rugged terrain, the high cost of developing infrastructure, serious law and order problems and the system of land title, which makes identifying the owners of land for the purpose of negotiating appropriate agreements problematic. Mineral
deposits, including oil, copper, and gold, account for 72% of export earnings.
Overview of Port Moresby
Port Moresby is the capital of Papua New Guinea and has a population of approximately 500,000 people with numerous ethnic minorities. As with most capital cities the population is partly comprised of people coming from the rural areas and smaller centres into the city. The traditional landowners are the Motu Koitabu. Port Moresby is a rapidly developing city. There are several quality hotels offering excellent restaurants and entertainment. The social life revolves around dining out and the few sporting clubs that are available. Water sports are particularly popular with a busy and full marina, game fishing, sailing and scuba diving also available. Excellent dive sites can be found within half an hour of Port Moresby. During the dry season the prevailing winds are very strong and surfing and kite surfing are also popular.
Air Energi in PNG
Air Energi Pacifica Ltd (AEPL) has an office located in PNG’s capital city of Port Moresby. The friendly staff at Air Energi are looking forward to offering you support whilst on assignment in PNG. Please refer to the contact details at the end of this document should you require any assistance during your time in PNG.
Geography
The country is relatively young in geological terms and its geography is very diverse. PNG is characterised by high mountain ranges, deep valleys and flowing rivers in the interior and open plains, tropical forests and swampy inlets in the coastal region. Papua New Guinea is largely mountainous, and much of it is covered with tropical rainforest. The Central Range of mountains runs the length
of New Guinea, and the highest areas receive snowfall - a rarity in the tropics. Within Papua New Guinea Mount Wilhelm is the highest peak, at 4 509 m. There are several major rivers, notably the Sepik River (1 126 km long), which winds through lowland swamp plains to the north coast, and the Fly River (1050 km long), which flows through one of the largest swamplands in the world to the south coast. Papua New Guinea has one land border - that which divides the island of New Guinea. Across the 820 km border, the western half of New Guinea is officially known as Papua province, governed by Indonesia. There are maritime borders with Australia to the south and Solomon Islands to the southeast.
Climate
Papua New Guinea’s climate is tropical, as one would expect in a country located just south of the Equator. December to March is the wet season as monsoons occur occasionally in the north-west of the country, although occasional rain falls year-round. While Port Moresby, the capital, and other towns on the coast are quite hot in the summer months, temperatures are considerably cooler in the Highlands.
Banking
The local currency used in PNG is Kina (K) and toea (t) with 1 Kina equivalent to 100 toea. Notes are in denominations of K2, K5, K10, K20, K50, K100 and coins are in denominations of 1K, 50t, 20t, 10t and 5t.
Exchanging Money
International currencies are able to be exchanged at Jackson’s Airport upon arrival to PNG or at the local ANZ (www.anz.com/ papuanewguinea ) or Westpac branches (www.westpac.com.pg). Locations for each bank can be found on their website. Information on current exchange rates
between your local currency and Papua New Guinean Kina and toea, visit www.xe.com
Credit Cards
Hotels, restaurants, shops, rental car companies, cruise operators and travel agents accept most major credit cards including American Express (Amex), Diners, Master cards and Visa Cards.
Local Banking Hours
8:45am to 3:00pm Monday – Thursday 8:45am to 4:00pm Friday Saturday Sunday & Public Holidays - Closed EFTPOS facilities & ATM’s are widely available in capital city & major centres
Food and Drink
There are numerous restaurants in Port Moresby and supermarkets. Western food is more expensive than food from the local markets. However it is advised that if eating fresh produce you have prepared this yourself to ensure that food is not contaminated (this mainly applies to raw ingredients i.e. salad, sushi etc) Please note that Saturday is a half-day for some shops and speciality stores are closed on Sunday. Supermarkets are open all day on Sunday in Port Moresby and other large centres. The water in Port Moresby is rated potable according to World Health Organisation standards however it is advisable to boil all water before drinking or purchase readily available bottled water. The water quality in the provinces cannot be guaranteed and must be boiled before drinking. It is advisable that you avoid ice cubes and raw and undercooked food. It is safe to shower in water & to brush your teeth, there is no need to use bottled or boiled water as long as large quantities are not swallowed straight from the tap.
When water supplies have been off in the cities for a period of time, it is advisable to take extra precautions with water use for a few days following to ensure cleans supplies are running through the system.
Security
The migration of the local population into Port Moresby can be linked to issues of petty crime as people struggle to survive in a big city with little means of support. Unemployment is high and opportunistic crime can occur. Traditional village, tribal and provincial affiliations and rivalries are carried through to Port Moresby and can cause some civil issues – it is wise to listen to local updates & reports on potential situations. Port Moresby does have a reputation for crime related issues but it is possible to live a safe and active life if sensible precautions are taken. In the case that the contractor or client that you are working for does not provide or is unable to provide appropriate secure transport, Air Energi Pacifica have a number of affiliations with world class security organisations and can arrange assistance for you, however, it is likely that the Client company for whom you are assigned will have very clear guidelines on personnel movement. In many cases Client policy over-rules Air Energi’s advice on transport & travel so please make yourself aware of the Client Company guidelines. Please contact the Air Energi Pacifica office and speak to the Assignment Support Lead or Logistics Lead for more information regarding transport and security issues in-country.
Culture
The culture of Papua New Guinea is multifaceted and complex. It is estimated that more than a thousand different cultural groups exist in PNG. Most of these different
cultural groups have their own language. Because of this diversity, many different styles of cultural expression have emerged; each group has created its own expressive forms in art, dance, weaponry, costumes, singing, music, architecture and much more. The majority of the local population typically live in villages that rely on subsistence farming. In some areas people hunt and collect wild plants (such as yam roots) to supplement their diets. Those who become skilled at hunting, farming and fishing earn a great deal of respect. One striking feature that seems relevant to all is their lifestyle which is close to nature and a part of it rather than apart from it. This means there is no exploitation but a sharing that returns to nature a part of what came from it. On the Sepik River, there is a famous tradition of wood carving, often in the form of plants or animals, representing ancestor spirits. People of the highlands engage in colourful local rituals called “sing sings”. Sometimes an important event, such as a legendary battle, is enacted at such a musical festival.
Government
PNG is a member of the Commonwealth and continues to function as a federal constitutional monarchy operating under the reigning British Monarch, currently Queen Elizabeth II. Keeping in-line with the constitutional monarchy, two representatives are appointed to lead the Papua New Guinean Government. The Queens representative, the GovernorGeneral of PNG, is elected on behalf of the reigning British Monarch. The position of Prime Minister, who is the people’s elected representative.
Social Etiquette
Upon greeting an acquaintance it is acceptable to shake hands. When addressing seniors or important people you should use their full title and full name. It is considered correct to address senior citizens as papa and mamma. Once relationships have been established, you may then drop formalities and use first names. If you are invited to greet a chief or head of a village, it is customary and proper etiquette to bow before them. Not doing so would be thought of as extremely discourteous and ignorant. In some more isolated villages, the interaction between men and women is not as common as you might expect. In some instances, communication between the sexes is restricted to those within a certain kinship or family group, and women in particular are prohibited from speaking outside of these groups. Handholding between friends of the same sex is tolerated and quite normal behaviour. Thongs, sneakers and sandshoes are not allowed in some bars and restaurants.
What NOT to do
• Do not take advice from quack tour operators, taxi drivers, and strangers • Public displays of affection are seen as crude and should be avoided • Do not display money or valuables as this will heighten the risk of petty theft • Do not increase your vulnerability by drinking heavily or staying out after midnight • Do not verbally abuse, cheat or tempt PNG citizens
Airport Customs
Passengers arriving in Papua New Guinea will receive a Passenger Declaration form (covering the Customs and Quarantine Acts) or may be verbally questioned upon arrival. After you clear Customs Passport Control and collect your baggage, you have the choice of entering the “green Channel”, if you believe you have nothing to declare to Customs or the “red Channel” if you have declared goods that may be of interest to either Customs or Quarantine. If a traveller fails to declare or deliberately conceals dutiable items so as to avoid paying duty by making a false statement to a Customs Officer, Customs may impose an administrative penalty against the traveller.
Prohibited Imports
Drugs, pornographic literature (deemed to include men’s magazines such as FHM and Men’s Lifestyle Magazines such as GQ, Maxim or Alpha) or video tapes/DVD’s, firearms and weapons are prohibited. Food items, seeds, spices, live or dry plants, animals, animal products and biological
specimens such as cultures and blood need special import approval.
Prohibited Exports
Papua New Guinea prohibits the export of historic and cultural items that have been made before 1960’s. If you want to export such items permission must be granted from the country. Other items that cannot be exported are stone artifacts and feathers from the native bird of paradise.
Travelling with Medicines
If you require medicines containing habit forming drugs or narcotics (e.g, diuretics, depressants, stimulants, heart drugs, tranquillisers, sleeping pills) you should:• Have a prescription from your physician advising that the medicine is being used under a doctor’s direction and is necessary for your physical well being; and • Carry the drugs in their original containers
Duty Free
The new concession provides for duty exemption on all new goods to the total value of 1000 Kina per traveller over the age of 18 years. Where the traveller is under the age of 18 years the amount is 500 Kina. Adults over the age of 18 are allowed to bring: • Up to 200 cigarettes or 250 grams of tobacco or 50 cigars • Up to two (2) litres of alcohol • A reasonable amount of perfume (not exceeding 1L) (this allowance does not apply to a person under the age of 18 years) A traveller of any age is allowed to import free of duty, among other things, a personal computer, a still and video camera, and work tools free of duty provided they are not new or in commercial quantity and are intended for their own use.
Alcohol
Alcohol is served in restaurants, clubs and bars and is prohibited to be served to persons aged under 18 years. In Port Moresby, Lae and some other centres, alcohol can be bought at supermarkets between the hours of 10.00am to 6.00pm from Monday to Saturday. On Sunday, alcohol is only available for purchase at a recognised club or hotel. Liquor restrictions are in place in the majority of Highland provinces and alcohol can only be purchased and drunk in clubs in these centres.
Transport
Getting Around by Road
Transport is heavily limited by the country’s mountainous terrain. Port Moresby is not linked by road to any of the other major towns and many remote villages can only be reached by light aircraft. General conditions of the roads are often dangerous. Because of this, we do not recommend driving or using public transport. Secure transport services will be provided to all your required destinations.
Buses
There is a local form of privately owned buses called Public Motor Vehicles (PMVs). These are not policed well and their maintenance and safety standards are not guaranteed.
Taxis
There are numerous privately owned taxis in varying degrees of conditions. The government has recently introduced legislation that has made meters mandatory however; most operators choose to ignore this. Both buses and taxis throughout PNG are not recommended at all due to numerous security and safety concerns.
Health
Frequently Asked Questions
Vaccinations
Do I need a Work Permit? All Foreign workers in PNG require a valid Work Permit and PNG Visa, this must be arranged prior to the commencement of your work assignment in PNG. Working on a Business Visa is not permitted in PNG, a Business Visa is for meetings, conferences, exploratory business and specific short term tasks only. A Work Permit is required for any kind of work carried out in-country.
Vaccinations that are highly recommended for travel: • • • • • • • • • • •
Measles/Mumps/Rubella (MMR) Hepatitis A/Hepatitis B Polio Pertussis Typhoid Japanese Encephalitis B Chickenpox Tetanus Influenza Pneumococcus Diptheria
Can I bring my family with me? It is possible for you to relocate your family to PNG however it is not advisable due to the limited infrastructure and lack of amenities. It is also a high risk area and would require serious consideration as to whether it would be a suitable living environment for your family.
Malaria
Malaria is a very real issue and is found everywhere in the region except areas above 1,800m. Malaria is transmitted to humans via a mosquito bite and can result in severe health issues and/or fatality. As a result, a number of preventative measures have been put in place to significantly decrease the risk of being infected. These are: • Chemoprophylaxis medication – prior to travelling you will be prescribed with a chemoprophylaxis. The two main prescriptions are Doxycycline and Malarone (generic drug names) and are provided as ongoing malaria preventative medication • Malaria Curative Kit – the curative kit is enables you to test whether you have malaria (P. Falciparum type), this kit is used in conjunction with the malaria treatment • Malaria treatment – Riamet is prescribed as treatment medication in the instance that Malaria symptoms appear Along with the above medication/treatments for malaria, you will be provided with further preventative equipment. This includes: • DEET insect repellent • Factory treated Permethrin clothing (lasts up to 70 washes) • Permethrin treated bed net
Health Equipment
Along with the listed equipment and medication you will be provided with a comprehensive travel kit. This will include medication for a variety of illnesses that may occur whilst working in Papua New guinea. A small first aid kit will be included in the travel kit to disinfect and cover small injuries.
HIV/AIDS
The incidence of HIV and AIDS is relatively high. As a result, precautions need to be taken where potential exposure may occur. Small injuries need to be disinfected and covered immediately. If engaging in sexual activity, it is highly recommended to wear a condom or fendom.
Prescriptions and Medication
If you have a health condition that requires you to be medicated, ensure you obtain a
sufficient amount of medication to cover your rotation. Papua New Guinea has a limited supply of prescription medication available. To avoid having your medication confiscated upon entry into PNG, ensure that you: • Have a prescription from your physician advising that the medicine is being used under a doctor’s direction • Carry the drugs in their original containers • It is advisable that you arrange a dental health check prior to mobilisation to reduce the chances of you needing medical care.
Healthcare in PNG
Air Energi has established an alliance with the Port Moresby Medical Service who specialise in medical evacuations and treating expats in world class facilities. Dr Athie Chelvanathan is currently the Medical Director at the Port Moresby Medical Service and holds degree qualifications in medicine, surgery and aerospace medicine.
Port Moresby Medical Service Cnr Vaivai Av and Mavaru St East Boroko Ph: +675 325 6633 Fax: +675 325 6953
Emergency Numbers
(Note: response times to these services can be unreliable) Police: 000 Fire: 325 5188 Ambulance: 325 6822 All emergency situations should be reported to Air Energi Pacifica Country Manager as soon as possible. If you find yourself ill and require a Doctor please feel free to contact our Air Energi Pacifica office (Assignment Support Lead - 320 3095) and assistance will be available to set you up with a medical appointment.
Do I need a local bank account? Although it is not mandatory, Air Energi advises that it is a worthwhile idea. We recommend establishing a local bank account with our preferred banking institution ANZ, Westpac or BSP. The carrying of cash can pose a security risk and holding a local key card for transactions can be more convenient as ATM’s and ETFPOS are widely available. For more information and assistance on how to establish a local bank account please speak to our Assignment Support team in the Air Energi Pacifica office. Will I need a Medical? Yes. You will be required to undergo a full fit for work medical and a fit to travel medical to ensure that you have had the appropriate vaccinations and testing completed and proving that you are fit to work in your role. Depending on the type of Visa you require, you may also need to undertake a PNG Visa medical to complete the appropriate Visa application documentation. You will also be provided with a number of health related articles to protect against or treat illnesses that may occur whilst in PNG. Please see the ‘health’ section for more information. Will Air Energi provide Medical insurance? Yes. Allianz worldwide healthcare insurance is provided by Air Energi. Air Energi will register your details with Allianz and will send the insurance policy documents through to you once Allianz has formally registered your personal details under the Air Energi policy. The Allianz insurance includes: • Global coverage 24 hours per day, 7 days per week • Coverage whilst at work and when away from work including transit • Caters for existing medical problems • Emergency evacuations • Disability and death benefits Payment & reimbursement claims for any general medical consultation is your responsibility. Further information on how to claim is available through your Air Energi office.
Allianz hotline number +353 1630 1301 If I get sick or have an accident while I am in PNG, what will I do? Where possible if medical assistance is required Air Energi Pacifica local contact can provide advice on the best medical service provider in-country and help make a medical appointment if required. Please speak to PNG Assignment Support team at AEPL – 320 3095 (also see contacts list below) In the case of a medical emergency (incident) whilst at the client company site the client company will assume immediate incident control and respond to the situation as necessary in accordance with their site management plan. Once the incident is under control the Incident Controller will arrange to make contact with Air Energi Pacifica Local Representative to initiate the Emergency Medical Response Plan for an Air Energi contractor. An approved medical provider will be contacted to take-over your medical care and further treatment. In many cases the approved medical service provider prescribed by Allianz will be the same provider that initially attends the medical emergency.
give the perpetrator what is being requested and put as much distance between you and them as soon as you can, and make your way to safety. Report any incident to AEPL Country Manager, your Line Manager and/or the local Police. Other General Information about PNG: Religious Festivals/Public Holidays (some dates will vary from year to year – please check) New Year’s Day - 1st January Easter Friday - As per calendar suggestion Easter Saturday - As per calendar suggestion Easter Monday - As per calendar suggestion Queens Birthday - 13th June Remembrance Day - 23rd July Independence Day - 16th September Christmas Day - 25th December Boxing Day - 26th December
What should I do if I am the victim of a security incident? Your Client Company will have very clear guidelines on how to react & report a security incident and we encourage you to direct this question to your Line Manager if you are not clear with the company policy. If you are involved in a security incident, stay calm,
Good Friday, Easter Monday, the Queen’s Birthday, Remembrance Day and Independence Day will have a variability of dates and the accuracy of the above information should be clarified each year – google PNG Gazetted Holidays for more information. There are also various regional festivals that occur year round, however, they are not marked as Gazetted Govt. approved public holidays. Saturday is an official day of business in PNG and therefore, some public holidays fall on a weekend.
PNG Electricity Supply
Some common Tok Pisin (Pidgin) phrases:
The standard electrical current available is 240 volts at 50 Hertz. Some hotels provide 110 volt outlets in guest rooms for shavers and hair dryers. Electricity is only available in major settlements within PNG. Please note: the power supply can be unreliable and although most buildings have generators it is advisable to carry a portable surge protector for laptops and other electrical appliances.
Location
The eastern half of the island of New Guinea, east of Indonesia and north of Australia.
Time
GMT +10 hours
Language/s
There are three official languages recognised in PNG:- English, Tok Pisin (New Guinea Pidgin or Melanesian Pidgin) and Hiri Motu (spoken mainly in the south). English is used in bureaucratic processes such as government, trade and commerce. In total, more than 860 languages are spoken in PNG, the larger majority of these are local or tribal dialect which varies with each tribe and region.
English Hello How are you? I’m fine, and you? Good Morning Good Afternoon Good Night Goodbye/ See you later
Tok Pisin Lukim Yu orait? Yu stop i orait? Mi orait. Na yu? Moning Apinun Gutnait Lukim yu behain
Passport expiry/loss
In the event that your passport is due to expire please contact Leanne Jones (ljones@ airenergi.com) for advice. REMEMBER it is an entry requirement for PNG Immigration that you must have more than 6 months validity on your passport in order to enter the country at any time. Please inform us at least 3 months prior to your passport at pre-6 month expiry so that you may arrange renewal and we may organise the necessary visa transfers. In otherwords, you need to act when the passport is 9 months from actual expiry date. IF you lose your passport whilst in PNG it is very important that you report this to us IMMEDIATELY so we can assist you in steps to facilitate a replacement passport or travel document.
Contact Information Emergency Air Energi contacts for important afterhours assistance (in PNG): Calum Smith: Regional Manager PNG csmith@airenergi.com 675 7101 0007
Julie Willoughby: Manager – Global Mobility jwilloughby@airenergi.com 675 4031 5590
Allianz Medical Insurance Contact: Allianz hotline number +353 1630 1301
(Please record these numbers and keep on your person at all times in case of an emergency situation)
Air Energi Assignment Support Contacts:
If you require assistance with permetherin clothing, MSK’s and Malaria medications, logistics, accommodation Purchase Order confirmations, or general PNG knowledge assistance please don’t hesitate to call any of our Assignment Support team members at the AEPL office at any time. Ask for any of the following team members by calling 320 3095 (or a/h mobile ph where noted) Stephanie Manus: Assignment Support Senior PH: 7327 8678 smanus@airenergi.com Tau Lahui: Logistics Coordinator PH: 7287 0555 tlahui@airenergi.com Loa Raka Visa & Immigration Lead lraka@airenergi.com (Note the team contacts may be subject to periodical change – current as at July 2011) Port Moresby Medical Service Providers: 1. Port Moresby Private Specialist Medical Centre (24/7) PH: 325 0709 / 323 8755 / 325 0717 Located at MVIL Priv Hosp Building, off Taurama Rd, 3 Mile (behind Maternity wing of PGH) admin@medspecgroup.com.pg 2. POM Medical Services (Dr Chelvanathan’s Clinic) 7am-7pm daily PH: 325 6633 Located Cnr Vaiva & Mavara St (next to St Josephs Int School) East Boroko (Dr Chelvanathan - recommended Expat doctor) 3. Dental Assistance in Port Moresby Mills Dental Clinic – Lev 1, Deloitte Tower (Next door to Air Energi office) Contact: PH 320 0600 for appointment.
Contractors based in Lae, Morobe Province: 1. 2.
Masalohan Medical Services ( AE have an account) 7am-7pm daily PH: 479 1222/ email: jbeaso@daltron.com.pg Located on Seventh St, LAE Lae International Hospital offers 24/7 services PH: 472 8131 Located at Marsina Street, 411 Morobe, LAE
Local Pharmacies
a. City Pharmacy – Stop and Shop Down Town, located inside Plaza House PH: 320 0827 b.
Johnston’s Pharmacy – Spring Garden Road, Boroko PH: 325 3633 Email: sales@johnstons.com.pg Johnston’s Pharmacy – Tabari Boroko PH: 325 5336 Email: sales@johnstons.com.pg
c.
Chemcare Pharmacy - : Located at SVS Harbour City PH: 321 1982 Email: harbor@chemcare.com.pg
d. Boroko Foodworld Pharmacy Located at the Boroko Foodworld store near Courts Round-about.
Please ensure your visit to any Pharmacy is assisted by Security Drivers or contact AEPL for more information.
Payroll Services
Payroll for Air Energi Pacifica Contractors on PNG assignment are facilitated from our Port Moresby office. Payroll is administered monthly in arrears – for further information please refer to your starter packs issued at point of hire. Naomi Kelly: Supervisor – Payroll nkelly@airenergi.com
Demobilisation from the Project When the time comes to say goodbye to PNG there are a few points we ask you to remember: - Return of all company provided assets (laptops, access cards, keys etc…) - Work permit card return – MUST be handed to Air Energi Assignment Support team - Discuss any issues, questions or queries with your Air Energi Rep before departure.
Tra vel Tips Copy your documents
In the unfortunate event of your luggage going missing, or your passport / wallet is stolen or lost, it is a good idea to have copies that can help you with re-issues. Take 2 colour photocopies each of your passport, plus visa stamps and documents, driving licence, important prescriptions or other ID documents. Make 2 sets of the documents and keep these copies separate from your main luggage, preferably in 2 separate bags. It is also a good idea to copy scanned or phtocopied documents to an Internet based e-mail account. Make sure someone at home knows how to access it in case of an emergency.
Vaccinations
Check with your medical practitioner on what vaccines are required before your travel. Due to your medical history, you may require more than one dose, or you may need boosters for childhood vaccines. Check the latest travel advice and travel bulletins for your destination before you depart, and also while travelling, so you can ensure you have the latest information. Common diseases contracted by travellers include those which are the result of eating or drinking contaminated food or water, or not practising safe sex, plus a number of mosquito or tick-borne diseases endemic to tropical areas. Be sure to take measures to avoid being bitten such as wearing light-coloured clothing that covers your arms and legs, regularly applying an appropriate insect repellent and staying in mosquito-proof accommodation or using bed nets.
Taking medicines with you
Book a checkup at your doctor or dentist, dbefore you leave. If you wear glasses or contacts lenses, bring an extra pair of glasses and your prescription. Persons taking prescription medications should make sure they have an adequate supply for the trip, and/or bring their prescription, making sure it includes the medication trade name, manufacturer’s name, generic name, and dosage. Prepare a simple medical kit of over-thecounter medications (aspirin, ibuprofen, antihistamine, antiseptic, diarrhoea medication), bandaids, thermometer, sunscreen, and insect repellent. When travelling overseas with medicine, (including over-the-counter or private prescription) it is important that you talk to your doctor and discuss the amount of medicine you will need to take. Carry a letter from your doctor detailing what the medicine is, how much you will be taking, and stating that it is for your own personal use. Leave the medicine in its original packaging so it is clearly labelled with your own name and dosage instructions. If you have to inject your
medication, inform your airline before you travel and, if necessary, arrange a letter from your doctor explaining why you need to carry them.
Your health on long-haul flights
Keep important medication with you in case your luggage goes missing. To help avoid deep vein thrombosis (DVT): drink plenty of fluids, avoiding alcohol and caffeine, and whilst seated, stretch and rotate your feet and lower legs. Walking around the cabin at regular intervals will help.
Scuba Divers
If you have been scuba diving, don’t travel in an aircraft for at least 24 hours after your final dive.
Coping with Jetlag
Factor the effects of jet lag into your itinerary. In order to cope with Jetlag you should get a good deal of sleep before your journey. It is also important to rest as much as possible during your flight. Planning to arrive at your destination as near to the time when you normally go to sleep will also help with the adjustment. If you are able to plan your itinerary allow time on arrival for adjustment or plan meetings at similar times to back home. Some people advise changing their watches to destination time when they get onto the plane. While this helps many people, for those who are on regular medication, such as diabetics, watches should remain on home time until you are able to adjust your medication to local times on arrival at your destination or as suggested by your health advisor. On arrival at your destination get active as soon as possible, as exercise has been proven to improve productivity. Adjust your meals and activities to local time as soon as you can. Exposure to light is also a good way of naturally allowing your body to adjust. If you need to take a short nap, do, it will help refresh you, but don’t forget to use an alarm clock or wake up call to get you up!
Lost Luggage
If you happen to lose your baggage on arrival at your destination airport, tell the airline immediately and get suitable compensation. Agree on an amount you can spend on essential items that you will need and give them an address to deliver the luggage to when they find it. It is wise to make a copy of your passport details and any other important papers or vaccination certificates that you are carrying
with you when you travel. Leave them in a safe place in the office or copy to an Internet based e-mal account. Make sure someone at home either a partner or friend knows how to access it in case of an emergency. You will need photo identification even for air travel within the UK.
Personal Safety
Be aware of your surroundings at all times; thieves will use many tricks to distract you - wiping something off your shoulder while an accomplice is picking your pocket, getting young children to surround you while they plan to rob your belongings. Trust your instincts, especially when visiting countries where a high poverty rate comes along with high petty crime rates. When not attending meetings, try to blend in with the crowd when out and about - try not to look like a visitor! When enjoying the local nightlife, guard your food/drinks and keep your wits about you. Beware of the fact that you will be an easy target after a few too many drinks. Avoid walking home to your hotel late at night, even if it is close by. Get a taxi. Don’t take shortcuts through poorly lit areas, it pays to trust your instincts in these situations. Keep your wits about you when making new friends - men and women may come across very friendly indeed if you are the route to an easier life. Be careful of telling people where you live.
Unsafe Water - What to do
If travelling to more remote areas with poor sanitation - only drink boiled water, hot beverages, such as coffee and tea, canned or bottled carbonated beverages, beer, and wine. Ice may be made from unsafe water and should be avoided. It is safer to drink from a can or bottle of beverage than to drink from a container that was not known to be clean and dry. However, water on the surface of a beverage can or bottle may also be contaminated. Therefore, the area of a can or bottle that will touch the mouth should be wiped clean and dry.
Malaria Awareness The Mosquito - Disease Carrier
Mosquitoes transmit the viruses responsible for yellow fever, dengue hemorrhagic fever, epidemic polyarthritis, several forms of encephalitis and, most famously, malaria. Mosquitoes lay their eggs wherever there is standing water, ponds, salt water marshes, or even puddles and discarded containers. Only female mosquitoes bite, as they require blood to produce their eggs.
What is Malaria?
Malaria is a disease caused by a parasite that is transmitted by mosquitoes. The most deadly strain being plasmodium falciparum. The mosquito unwittingly transmits this parasite when biting its victim. These parasites then spread to the liver where they take one to four weeks to multiply. Once mature, they spread throughout the red blood cells resulting in the first symptoms - a flu-like fever, which, if left untreated will lead to liver failure, coma and ultimately, death.
Symptoms
Malaria symptoms are very similar to flu, however you may not suffer from all of them: • • • • • •
High Fever Headache Vomiting General ill feeling Muscle and joint aches Jaundice / yellow skin tone
Medical attention should be sought immediately if you have any symptoms that could be malaria. Ensure that you can get to medical facilities 24 hours a day, and know your options when in developing countries. Bear in mind that once malaria symptoms strike, you will not feel like travelling very far. Malaria can kill within 48 hours of developing symptoms.
Risk Areas
Mosquitoes have been found all over the world, however not all mosquitos carry malaria. The countries below are malaria hotspots, if you are travelling to them, it is necessary to take medicinal precautions. Malaria is one of mankind’s oldest known killers, dating back almost 5000 years.
What attracts mosquitoes?
• Carbon Dioxide - we exhale it when we breathe and also secrete it from our pores. • Fragrances such as deodorant, soap, shower gel, even cosmetics on the skin • Body heat and sweat • Dark Coloured clothing
Repel Mosquitoes
• Cover up after dusk. • Use a repellant on your skin. • Close doors and windows at night. • Avoid lingering near stagnant water. ponds, lakes, and old containers are breeding grounds. • If you are out after dusk, wear a long-sleeved shirt, trousers in a closely woven fabric and cover feet with socks. • If you must wear thin clothing, buy a fabric friendly insect repellent, as mosquitoes will bite through the fabric.
On Skin
Choose insect repellents with DEET, on any exposed skin highly effective against all biting insects. Do not put your trust in products without DEET, no known natural remedies have been scientifically proven to provide a barrier for your skin. When visiting countries high in temperature or humidity, choose a repellent with 50% DEET protection, as humidity coupled with sweating will evaporate the repellent and reduce its effectiveness. Read labels carefully and do not be complacent with re-application.
Aroma Repellants
• Buy a pyrethroid coil or a plug-in insecticide. • Lemon eucalyptus oil and citronella are natural fly repellents. It is not recommended that you rely on them as their potency wears off quickly, but they may be of use alongside the above. • Ultrasonic devices and bug ‘zappers’ are not effective against mosquitoes • Make sure window and door screens are intact so that mosquitoes cannot get indoors.
Mosquito Nets
If you are sleeping in an unscreened room, a mosquito net is advised. Nets come in a range of mesh weaves - choose wisely depending on your situation. Heavy-duty nets get hot and uncomfortable, whereas others may not offer enough protection, so do some careful research into the climate your are going to be in. A permethrin spray can be used on a mosquito net and sometimes clothing. It will instantly kill any mosquito that lands on it. This, coupled with a skin repellant creates a formidable barrier.
Antimalarial Drugs
There are several different types of medication depending on such factors as area to be visited, length of stay, type of travel, your own medical history and drugs you may already be taking. Highly sensitive persons may consider antihistamines to
minimise allergic reactions to mosquito bites, and other insects you may encounter for the first time.
If you think you have Malaria
Seek advice from a medical professional to discuss the most appropriate anti-malarial medication for your needs. Visit the nearest medical facility as soon as possible for emergency treatment. If you go to an area where a wellequipped hospital cannot be reached within 24 hours, take emergency medicines with you.
Precaution Summary • Take anti-malarial medication as prescribed • Screen doors and windows • Sleep under a mosquito net • Spray your room with insecticide • Wear long trousers and sleeves after dusk • Apply mosquito repellent to exposed skin when outdoors
Awareness
of the risk of malaria if you are travelling to a foreign country.
B
ites Avoid bites and reduce the chances of getting malaria.
C
omply with the appropriate drug regimen for the area you are visiting.
D
iagnosis Malaria can be fatal but early diagnosis and treatment is usually 100% effective.
Contacts Air Energi Pacifica Level 5 Cuthbertson House Port Moresby Papua New Guinea Phone: +675 320 3095 Fax: +675 320 3093 png@airenergi.com
www.airenergi.com