Transparency International PNG's Peter Aitsi
Photo: Transparency International PNG
Papua New Guinea has been the Pacific country worst-hit by the pandemic, with more than 10,000 cases recorded and 100 deaths, though with low testing rates the true tally is believed to be far higher.
Amidst this, there have been regular reports of misappropriation in the government response to the pandemic, including contracts being awarded to public servants with a direct conflict of interest.
"Clearly this is not acceptable," said the director of Transparency International PNG, Peter Aitsi.
As the pandemic further grips PNG, government officials have struggled to get the public to listen to calls for social distancing and other health measures.