Does sweeping of the membranes reduce the need for formal induction of labour?
The observed reduction in the need for formal induction of labour is smaller than in previous studies. Side effects and discomfort associated with sweeping of the membranes must be taken into account when counselling women who require induction of labour.
Throughout PNG there is an urgent need to increase immunization coverage and to ensure that children are immunized on time according to the schedule. Both coverage and timeliness of doses are worse for children living in hard-to-reach and rural areas. Achieving national immunization targets requires improvements in health service delivery, including outreach, especially for remote and rural communities, as well as greater community education and social mobilisation in support of immunization services.