United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in partnership with the National Department of Health, National AIDS Council Secretariat, World Vision, UNAIDS, UNICEF and the World Health Organization (WHO) are currently carrying out a three day media session including a film screening that will be held at the Paradise Cinema at the Vision City Mega Mall in Port Moresby. The session started Tuesday the 26th of September at the Ela Beach Hotel and will conclude on Friday the 29th. UNFPA has organized information sessions with practicing journalists educating them on the topics of antiretroviral therapy (ART), mother-to-child transmission of HIV and immunization and HIV. These sessions aim to equip journalists with the knowledge to report on HIV and in addition introducing journalists to the subject matter experts who can be available for comment or clarification based on the topic of HIV. The first session touched on topics based on antiretroviral therapy and the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV. UNFPA Communications Specialist, Rachel Donovan said cases of HIV in Papua New Guinea has increased by 131% since 2010, however is easily preventable which is something that needs to be addressed. She further stated that HIV related deaths are also stabilized and that’s because of antiretroviral therapy which is free of charge and available in all parts of the country. “According to statistics from UNAIDS, 51% of pregnant women with HIV are receiving ART and we have an estimation of about 820 new child infections where two babies per day are born with HIV and are treated for the rest of their lives.” “Therefore to address this, the media has a tremendous platform to combat a lot of misinformation; reduce the stigma and help us to address the incidents of HIV and the types of transmissions.” “So we are engaging media to improve testing whether that’s through attending antenatal care services making sure those tests are available at those clinics." "Increasing antenatal care visits ensuring people can access health care including vaccinations.” Also speaking during the session was UNICEF Health Specialist, Doctor Garba Safiyanu, who spoke on the prevention of parent-to-child transmission (PTCT) of HIV and the importance of testing to prevent newborn infections. He stated that the transmission of HIV from the mother to the infant can occur during pregnancy, labour and delivery and also through breastfeeding. Dr Safiyanu further stressed that it is critical that pregnant women with HIV and their infants get the best possible antenatal, intra-partum and postpartum care they can get to prevent the infant from contracting the disease. “The most important risk factor for PTCT is the amount of HIV in the mother’s blood which is known as the viral load and the risk of transmission to infant is highest when women’s viral load is high especially in a recent HIV infection or mothers who are not on ART.” "Effects of HIV on pregnancies also include spontaneous abortions, still births, pre-term deliveries and low birth weight infants." He further strongly encouraged all pregnant women to attend antenatal clinics early to start treatment immediately if found to be tested HIV positive. “PPTCT programs are important because this prevents HIV infections, prevent HIV transmission from women infected with HIV to their infants and provision of treatment.” "Moreover, for pregnant women living with HIV, is crucial they deliver in a health facility so that they can be monitored and attended to when the baby is to be born." Moreover, he explained that once a baby is born, then he/she must then be put on ART as well to be tested three times during a period of time. “The first test will be conducted when the baby is three weeks old, the second at three months and the third test at six months." "If the baby is tested negative after the third test, then he/she is considered to be fine and safe.” Furthermore, as part of the awareness session, Dr. Safiyanu made mention that it is also important to know the main diseases that a pregnant woman can contract and must receive treatment for in order to deliver a healthy baby. This he stated includes HIV, syphilis and hepatitis. Meanwhile, as bringing about awareness is important, challenges faced in addressing issues like this in the country can also include stigma, discrimination, cultural and religious barriers. Despite this, there are few who are willing to come out and speak as advocates to give a sense of confidence and comfort to those holding back. This sees a role in media in addressing the gap in ART coverage by reducing stigma and advocating for robust commodities logistics systems in terms of ensuring there are always supplies available for testing and drugs available for those infected.

By now, many schools throughout the country have already received their third quarter of the Government Tuition Fee Subsidy. However, for schools like Warangoi Secondary School in East New Britain Province the tuition funds received has come as a disappointment and not up to expectation. This is according to Principal, Mrs. Naomi Vuvu who voiced her concerns after receiving a lesser amount than expected. “We received a much smaller amount than what we usually receive,” said Mrs. Vuvu when speaking to PNG HAUSBUNG. The school received its third quarter in the second week of term three with a total of K101, 000 whereas compared to the previous quarters, the school receives to nearly K200, 000 which is just about enough to run the school for a term each given funding quarterly. “Most times we don’t receive the funds on time and so we need to have enough to cater for the school through to the following term until the next lot of funds come in.” Though the third quarter came in early in the second week, this has been a struggle for the school who had to ration and cut down on specific expenses. “We can’t cut down on food or electricity for that matter coz these are essential needs for the school and if worse comes to worse, then we’ll just have to send students home and only cater for those who will be sitting for their National Exams next term.” With the students now currently on their term three break, Vuvu hopes that they can be able to receive their fourth quarter soon as soon as Term four resumes next week. “We now rely entirely on government funds to run the school as we now have no project fees imposed and would really appreciate that this issue is sorted out soon.” Despite that, the grade eight, ten and twelve students are now preparing for the National Exams which is set to take place next month. Vuvu stated that the students have been attending their remedial classes set out by their teachers and have been preparing well. “The grade tens will be sitting for their exams in week two of term four, followed by the grade twelve in week three and the grade eights who will be sitting for theirs in week four.” Meanwhile, a group of students were caught drinking in the dormitory after causing a nuisance including six grade ten students. According to Vuvu, a decision was made by the school board to have those six students remain in school for the sake of their exams.

As CPL Group continues to invest in its key areas, CPL through its subsidiary brand City Pharmacy is pleased to announce that nine (9) Pharmacists are now set and prepared to attend the FIP World Congress of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences which will be held in Brisbane, Australia, from the 24th to the 28th of September 2023. This announcement coincides with World Pharmacist Day which will be held on September the 25th, where City Pharmacy Group celebrate their pharmacists’ dedication in providing quality healthcare with City Pharmacy. The FIP World Congress of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences conference organized by the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) is an annual gathering of pharmacists and pharmaceutical scientists from around the world, providing a platform for the exchange of ideas, knowledge, and advancements within the pharmaceutical field. City Pharmacy’s dedicated team of pharmacists are excited to be a part of this international symposium, which serves as an invaluable opportunity to stay at the forefront of pharmaceutical research, innovation, and patient care. Their participation exhibits CPL Group's commitment to excellence and continuous professional development in the field of pharmacy. Furthermore, this year's conference in Brisbane promises to be a landmark event, featuring discussions and presentations on a wide range of topics shaping the future of the pharmaceutical industry. Head of City Pharmacy, Pradeep Panda, expressed how thrilled they are to be sending this group of talented pharmacists to represent City Pharmacy at the FIP World Congress. "Their participation demonstrates our dedication to delivering the highest quality pharmaceutical care and staying at the forefront of industry advancements.” “We look forward to the knowledge and expertise they will bring back to benefit our customers and patients.” Meanwhile, the delegation from City Pharmacy have departed and will join an elite gathering of industry experts, researchers, and professionals to contribute to and gain insights from the latest breakthroughs and best practices in pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences.

Defending premiers Penrith booked a date with destiny at Accor Stadium next Sunday courtesy of a 38-4 win over the Melbourne Storm in Friday night’s preliminary final. Looking to emulate the legendary Eels outfit that won three premierships in a row from 1981-83, the Panthers now await the winner of the second preliminary final between the Broncos and Warriors. With Brian To'o bagging a hat-trick and Nathan Cleary at his clinical best, the Panthers marched into a fourth consecutive grand final, avenging their loss to Melbourne in the first of those deciders in 2020. The Storm conceded an early penalty when Marion Seve was pinged for a ruck infringement and the Panthers marched down field to open their account after just four minutes through To'o. A penalty against Storm centre Justin Olam for a crusher tackle invited the Panthers into the red zone again by Seve was safe under a Cleary high ball and the visitors came away with a seven-tackle set. Just two minutes later Olam made a statement when he burned Izack Tago on the outside and powered across the line for Melbourne's first try. Nick Meaney's conversion attempt hit the upright and the score remained 4-4. [caption id="attachment_45596" align="aligncenter" width="1224"] Brian To'o Try[/caption] Come the 14th minute and the Storm should have had a second four-pointer but a poor pass by Trent Loiero that went behind Olam saw the opportunity go begging. A late shot by Nelson Asofa-Solomona on Cleary after the Panthers No.7 had passed the ball led to a penalty and the Panthers took a 6-4 lead. Another error by Seve put the heat on the Storm again and it was To'o who made it a double after slick hands from Dylan Edwards and Tago. With Cleary's conversion the Panthers led 12-4 after 23 minutes. Returning Panthers five-eighth Jarome Luai then chipped in on the left side with a quick ball to Cleary who found Sunia Turuva for a try in the corner and when Cleary piloted the conversion from touch the premiers had a 14-point lead. With five minutes remaining in the half the Storm broke clear through hooker Harry Grant but his attempt to find support was shut down by Cleary with a timely intercept. A spilled bomb by To'o handed the Storm a late shot at points but another poor pass by Meaney to Reimis Smith resulted in Melbourne's seventh error of the half. Another powerful run by To'o in the 47th minute led to Cleary forcing a line dropout with a clever grubber but the Storm went short and Isaah Yeo touched the ball before it had travelled 10 metres and Melbourne had a penalty. [caption id="attachment_45597" align="aligncenter" width="1224"] Justin Olam Try[/caption] The Panthers' World Cup winning back-rower Liam Martin was next to impose himself on the game when he brushed past Cameron Munster and found Cleary backing up on the inside for a 24-4 lead. When Edwards finished off brilliant lead-up work by Stephen Crichton and Turuva in the 56th minute the game was as good as over and Panthers coach Ivan Cleary took the opportunity to give Luai an early mark in his return from a dislocated shoulder. With 10 minutes to play the Panthers were in party mode when To'o crossed for his third of the night courtesy of good hands from Tago on the inside. As the clock wound down the Storm's frustration came out when Seve hit Spencer Leniu with a shoulder charge and the resulting penalty goal to Cleary made it 38-4. The 34-point margin signaled the biggest win by a team in a preliminary final in the NRL era and sounded an ominous warning for ahead of their tilt at history next week. Source: NRL.com

The people of Torokina Community who were affected by the recent Mt Bagana Volcano Eruption were given humanitarian aid from a French Navy Vessel le Vendemiaire on September 17 during the Papua New Guinea Independence weekend, Sunday. In a testament to international solidarity, the French Navy vessel, le Vendemiaire, arrived in Torokina (Bougainville) bringing essential relief supplies to the affected communities and displaced people living in the area. First Secretary of the French Embassy in PNG, Elise Varrey, was on the ground to coordinate with Bougainville controller Esther Usurp-Harou and the disaster team based in Buka to ensure the smooth handover of the relief supplies to the people in need. This collaborative effort underscores the strong bonds between both nations in times of crisis. On the first day of the operation, the Vendemiaire reached its designated anchorage point off the coast of Piva and Torokina. Despite challenging weather conditions that prevented the use of small fishing boats (dinghies) for aid transport, the operation proceeded with French helicopter making approximately twenty trips to deliver the initial aid supplies. With much appreciation the local population actively participated in unloading and centralizing the aid, even in heavy rain and muddy conditions. The following day, Monday 18th September, the relief supplies were efficiently unloaded from le Vendemiaiere onto an Agmark Shipping barge, and from there, they were transported to the Torokina beach. These vital supplies, which include food and other essentials, were then further conveyed by vehicles to the Piva government station where a care centre was set up to aid those affected by the volcano eruption. It was on the same day, Monday, the First Secretary of the French Embassy in PNG, accompanied by the ship's captain, Sebastian Drouelle, and the chief Operation coordinator of the vessel, Julien Ruffin, met with President of the Autonomous region of Bougainville Ishmael Toroama in his residence in Buka, for a brief but impactful meeting. The President expressed heartfelt gratitude for the French operation, emphasizing its historical significance – the island having been named after a French admiral explorer - the presence of this navy ship in Bougainville to deliver humanitarian help a few centuries later had a very special meaning. The President welcomed France's assistance and expressed openness to collaborate on future initiatives. Discussions also touched upon French initiatives in PNG, including the country package aimed at preserving forests and biodiversity, which drew significant interest from the President. France reaffirmed its readiness to provide support should additional needs arise and this operation underlines France's unwavering commitment to the Pacific islands and its dedication to extending a helping hand when crises arise. Together with the international community, France is determined in assisting Bougainville on its path to recovery.

Kopkop College students and teachers took four weeks to create, dramatize and produce thought-provoking videos which were showcased during the school’s cultural celebration last week Thursday, 14th September. The activity commemorated the country’s 48 years of independence and aligned with the school’s 2023 cultural show theme, ‘Embracing Culture Through Visual Context.' Deputy Principal, Mr. Isaiah Senau, said they wanted to do things differently from the usual cultural dance performances and that by involving students in such a project, it would help stimulate discussion and led students to appreciate their culture and stories and legends that make up who they are as individuals. The videos told of the selected legends from the four regions of Papua New Guinea and included the legend of Kinatun from the Autonomous region of Bougainville to the story of the creation of the Lagatoi of the Motuan people from Central Province. “It’s quite a learning process for most of the students because most are brought up here in the city and so when they were participating in these activities, they were learning from each other which also made them appreciate who they are.” The production of the video came with the support of teachers, parents and families who helped the various student regional groups to identify a legend and re-create scenes reflected in the legend. A grade eight student of Kopkop College, Michael Pa’am has also challenged young people at his school to reflect on what culture is about and told them to take something from the video and learn more from it. “In this era of our country our cultural days are mainly celebrated through singing and dancing with traditional attire and painting, but have you ever stopped to ask yourself what culture really is about?” “For example, some of us carry around Madang and Sepik bilums but do we really understand the pattern and the designs on these bilums?” “Do we know the reasons for those traditional songs and singsing, there is still so much more that we don’t know about our culture.” In addition, he stated that culture is a way of life and a way of doing things that has been passed down from generation to generation from the way we think to the way we relate to others as we all have unique cultures that define who we really are. “Imagine if there was no culture in this world; there won’t be any unity among the different people, culture brings us all together despite our different backgrounds because you see culture is us, we walk, live and breathe culture.”

The redeveloped Kimbe Market in West New Britain has now been completed providing increased opportunities for economic security for market vendors, their families and communities and a safer, more comfortable, and accessible market infrastructure for all market users. It will also support ongoing social and economic development as well prosperity in the province. The redevelopment is a joint initiative from the West New Britain, Australian and New Zealand Governments to provide accessible, reliable, and secure market facilities for local people. This will see visitors, patrons, vendors, and their families who will also benefit from the market’s new amenities including bathrooms, washing areas, fresh water, storage facilities, improved lighting and safety features, essential sanitary waste management facilities, and better access for people and vehicles. The market will also comprise of environmental features such as solar power and rainwater harvesting. Minister for Finance and Implementation, Rainbo Paita, Governor for West New Britain, Sasindran Muthuvel, Australian High Commissioner, Jon Philp and New Zealand High Commissioner, Peter Zwart came together to officially open the new look market. Governor Muthuvel said that the Kimbe Market is a fundamental part of the economic and cultural fabric of West New Britain bringing together people from across the province and is essential to their future prosperity. He expressed throughout the journey how proud and delighted he is to have witnessed the hard work and contribution of the Kimbe community and the people of West New Britain. Also speaking at the opening at the opening was Australian High Commissioner, Jon Philp who said that Kimbe Market redevelopment is an exciting example of the PNG-Australia Partnership delivering community impact for the long term. High quality, critical infrastructure like the Kimbe Market is about prioritizing local solutions, local voices, and local participation to drive sustainable development outcomes. Meanwhile, New Zealand High Commissioner to PNG, Peter Zwart also highlighted in his remarks that the world class market facility is the result of a strong partnership between West New Britain Provincial Government and the Governments Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand that will endure into the future. “The New Zealand Government is proud to have supported the aspirations of the Provincial Government and the people of West New Britain for the development of a bigger, better, safer and more secure Kimbe market.” “We are confident this vital development will serve as a hub for smallholder farmers and market vendors, particularly women, to grow economic opportunity and improve and sustain their livelihoods.” The Kimbe Market Redevelopment creates opportunities for local businesses, and jobs and training for local workers, including 23 women and five people with a disability. In addition, local groups and stakeholders were engaged in consultation and decision making from the outset of the project. Furthermore, Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand are proud to partner with local communities to invest in redeveloping markets. Markets are important economic hubs that support the livelihoods and wellbeing of women, people with disability and entire communities.

The game has changed markedly since Adam Reynolds and Shaun Johnson first crossed paths as 21-year-old playmaking prodigies, but their ability to win games and influence careers has been a constant for more than a decade. Just 23 games into his NRL journey, Johnson had already been to a grand final with the Warriors in 2011, lighting up the big stage with his outrageous side step and flair for the freakish. Across the Tasman, Reynolds was just starting to find his feet under the guidance of favourite son John Sutton at the Rabbitohs. The kid from Redfern had grown up dreaming of donning the cardinal and myrtle, and here he was in his seventh NRL game matching motors with Johnson in the cauldron of Mt Smart Stadium. On April 15, 2012 it was Johnson who had the last laugh as the Warriors prevailed 44-22, but it was Reynolds who would go all the way to a preliminary final in his first season before Souths bowed out to Canterbury. Two years later Reynolds stood atop the mountain, helping the Rabbitohs to a drought-breaking premiership triumph and sharing the moment with that man Sutton and fellow Redfern royalty in Greg Inglis and Sam Burgess. Come 2021 and Adam was no longer a boy, assuming the role of senior statesman as he led the Rabbitohs to another grand final, only to succumb to the rising Panthers juggernaut. Now calling Brisbane home and looking to inspire another group of classy young guns into a decider, Reynolds renews acquaintances with Johnson in a mouth-watering showdown at a sold-out Suncorp Stadium. And when the dust has settled on 80 minutes of frenetic finals footy, Reynolds or Johnson will find themselves one step closer to joining the likes of Cooper Cronk, Johnathan Thurston and Kevin Walters in an exclusive club synonymous with endurance and excellence. Records supplied by league historian David Middleton show that Reynolds or Johnson would become the fifth oldest halfback to win a premiership should they get their hands on the Provan Summons Trophy on October 1. Remarkably, Cronk holds three of the top four spots, having guided the Roosters to the 2019 title at the tender age of 35 years and 305 days, making it three successive premierships for one of the game’s greatest ever playmakers. The only other halfback to lead his team to a title as a 35-year-old was Hall of Fame member Jim Craig, who was 35 years and 97 days old when Western Suburbs took down St George in the 1930 decider. No stranger to the grand final stage, Craig had already won four premierships with Balmain in the early stages of his glittering career, the Tigers taking the spoils in 1915, ’16, ’17, ’19 and ’20. [caption id="attachment_45508" align="aligncenter" width="1224"] Reynolds is too good[/caption] “I have fallen in love with footy again up here. You can go through the motions when you have been in once place for so many years but putting yourself around new faces and new people has matured me a bit more. “I’m loving the role I’m playing here and I’m grateful for the opportunity to play my football up here for a team that has worked extremely hard to put ourselves in this position. “Guys like Ezra [Mam], he has a great willingness to learn, always asking questions on how to get better. “As an experienced player I love that side of things. I wish I had done it a bit more when I was a younger bloke. “When I came here it was about trying to figure out my part and how I could make the team better and I love a challenge – throw anything at me and I’ll try and solve it. “You always want to leave the best legacy you can. I play the game to make everyone around me better and I try and apply that within my role.” Across the hallway on Saturday night as Johnson prepares for career game No.252, the desire to help a new generation fulfil their dreams will be just as powerful. Having spent three years at the Sharks from 2019-21, the prodigal son returned last year on a charter to raise the standards and the spirits at the Warriors after the unsettled COVID seasons. Things got off to a shaky start last year when the Warriors could manage just six wins but the calming influence of new coach Andrew Webster and the inspirational leadership of Tohu Harris and Johnson has produced a stunning revival. Much like the holy trinity of Reynolds, Walters and Langer, the Warriors have 2002 grand final captain now assistant coach Stacey Jones working in tandem with Johnson to devise a game plan to deliver the club a maiden title after 28 years in the big time. “Stacey's had a huge impact on Shaun's career," coach Webster said in July as Johnson celebrated his 200th game for the club. "Shaun talks about when he was young, Stacey was his idol. "He looked up to him and wanted to play for the Warriors, because of guys like Stacey. "Now, Stacey gets to help coach him every week and has had a big impact. “This year in particular, Stacey has given Shaun clarity around his kicking game, which has made life easier. "Shaun, because it's simpler, gets to worry about other things. A free Shaun is a good player. "I think they're good for each other. They bounce ideas off each other. "It's a cool relationship, seeing two great players at the club that are both halfbacks, working with each other." Sound familiar? Eleven years and more than 520 games in the making, the ultimate showdown between two elite playmakers holds the key to which club gets a shot at immortality eight days later... and who gets a shot at joining the esteemed gang of 'golden oldies'. Source: NRL.Com

In commemorating the International Day of Peace, Men of Honour (MOH) Ambassador and Unsung Hero for Highlands Region, Johannes Kundal has called on his fellow Engans to lay down their weapons and discuss peace. Kundal, a former public servant with the Health Department is the founder of a faith-based organization called Friends of Mission and the Kanamanda Resource Centre that targets different vulnerable groups including women, children, people with special needs, those living with HIV/AIDS, and the elderly. His passion and commitment in helping his people in Enga province awarded him the title Father Abraham, a name he is now addressed by. In May this year, he was recognized as the Highlands Region Unsung Hero for the MOH Awards season seven. Like other provinces in Papua New Guinea, Enga is made up of many clans and tribes. But what sets Enga province apart from the rest is the fact that all five districts are bonded by language, culture and traditional values. Tribal fights are not new in Enga, but in the past, disputes among warring tribes were handled with respect. Father Abraham shared that the recent tribal fights in Wapenamanda District have escalated into a guerilla warfare, affecting two thirds of the district’s population. This fight is connecting three existing fights, one in Tsak Valley and two in the Middle Lai involving 24 clans. ‘’This fight has claimed many lives, caused women and children to be displaced and homeless, disrupted livelihoods, and made many vulnerable groups to suffer more. Our children’s education is jeopardized due to these ongoing fights. It is a pity that the warring tribes have no value for their children’s future.’’ ‘’I have experienced tribal fights since my childhood. My father was killed in a tribal fight in1981, and I also lost my immediate family members in 2001 to tribal fights. There is no good outcome, tribal fights only take every good thing and leaves you at a loss.” Unlike the past when spears, axes and bush knives were used, the recent tribal fights included the use of guns and ammunition, a more deadly and expensive exercise. Father Abraham stressed that the people in the rural villages are already struggling to support their families. Therefore, he strongly spoke out against those funding the purchase of guns and ammunition and asked them to stop. He is now appealing to the Prime Minister, James Marape and the government to draw up a rehabilitation plan for Enga province and help rebuild the projects destroyed in the tribal fights. He also calls on his people in Enga to throw away their weapons and resolve disputes in a more civilized manner. ‘’Let’s throw away the guns and use our bush knives and axes to rebuild our houses, make our gardens, and work together for the sake of our children, and for the sake of our future. Before reacting to any situation, let’s ask ourselves, what kind of legacy do I want to leave for my children? Do I want my children to be refugees in their own land?” “If we continue to fight, we will leave our children with nothing. A peaceful Enga now, is a better PNG tomorrow.’’ Furthermore, he continues to conduct radio awareness on Jesus FM and NBC Radio Enga, advocating for peace in his district and province. He will also be conducting community awareness in partnership with the local church groups and community leaders from his tribe Miok, as they remain neutral in this situation.

Childhood Cancer Awareness month is recognized across the globe annually on the month of September. It is the month of the year where health organizations carry out awareness’s on childhood cancer, which is rare but is now seen as the leading cause of death in children and adolescents around the world today. The theme for this year’s Childhood Cancer Awareness Month 2023 is “Lace up for Kids”, in which aims to change the future for kids by raising awareness about childhood cancer and the possible ways in providing care and treatment to children who are currently living with cancer. According to World Health Organization (WHO) Childhood Cancer Statistics, it is estimated that about 400, 000 children between the ages of 0-19 years will develop cancer every year worldwide. In the North Fly District of Western Province, Tabubil Hospital female Paediatrician, Dr. Venao Seta officially launched the Childhood Cancer Awareness Month with a presentation to the hospital staff on the type of cancers that affect children on the 1st of September 2023. A two-week awareness program on Childhood Cancer was carried out on the 4th to the 13th of September by Dr. Seta to about ten schools to an estimated total of 800 students and 40 teachers (including both primary and secondary) in both urban and rural schools. According to a female Teacher from Sisimakam Primary school, this awareness was something new that they were able to grasp knowledge on particularly, on how cancer affects children and its signs and causes. “After visiting schools and carrying out awareness, I have realized that there is still a need for more health awareness’s to be carried out so that we keep our children informed about their health so that they can be a mouthpiece in passing on what they have learnt to their parents and relatives in the village or back at their homes,” said Dr. Seta. The students and teachers from those visited schools were thankful and appreciative towards Dr. Seta for carrying out the awareness and being able to educate them on something important. In addition to this, Tabubil Hospital Administrator Margareth Samei said moving forward, Tabubil Hospital will have a structured Health Awareness program based on the different topics for both urban and rural parts of Tabubil in educating school children and the people on the different type of sicknesses and diseases that can be prevented easily.

Secretary of the Department of Personnel Management, Ms. Taies Sansan has congratulated Kopkop College for celebrating another milestone in the school’s journey as the country celebrated 48 years of Independence. Sansan shared with parents and teachers during the event that having seeing the college embrace culture through visual context about legends as well as traditional food preparations is something she expressed is very important that as the new generation comes into existence, we must help them to understand what has taken place in the past in order to move forward into the future. The school marked the event with the showcasing of legendary videos which they had created alongside their teachers and the support of parents. “Marking 50 years in two years’ time it’s really an achievement for this country and we really have to assess how far we have come.” “I thank the teachers for imparting the knowledge and skills to our students and I also acknowledge this institution and Mama Maria, the school’s Executive Director.” “Kopkop College has educated a lot of students over the last 39 years and as we head into 48 years, the college has existed this long.” Sansan further commended the school for its continuous use of innovation and creativity. “The displays that were put up here were wonderful and the performances by the students showed unity and togetherness of Papua New Guinea.” “Such an event helps students to accept differences and help them become more open to embracing uniqueness to have respect and have positive relationships with other children when they grow up.” Meanwhile, Primary school’s Deputy Principal, Mr. Isaiah Senanu, said the college has journeyed and adapted through so many changes and that it makes him proud to be part of such a wonderful institute.

The students at the University of Natural Resources and Environment (UNRE) in the Gazelle district of East New Britain province have been urged to always respect the rule of law. This call was made by ENB Governor, Michael Marum during an emergency visit to the school on Tuesday morning after the students’ boycott demanding response to their ongoing issues. Governor Marum was accompanied by the Acting Provincial Administrator Levi Mano, Provincial Police Commander Chief Inspector, Januarius Vosivai and UNRE Senior Management Team (SMT) to receive the students’ petition. Whilst addressing the students, Governor Marum stated that what has happened already inside the school campus is gone, however reminded the students to always follow the law for future sake. “East New Britain is a peaceful place and with the current increase of law and order in the province the police and the provincial government and relevant stakeholder are working together to address these issues.” He advised the students that he will work together with them to communicate with the appropriate leaders in Port Moresby for them to come to the province to receive their petition. “I am here to serve everyone, and I urge you the students to deal with the issues in a proper way in order to get the results of what you want.” The student riot started on Monday evening of this week where four school vehicles belonging to the institution were burnt down to ashes by the angry students. Meanwhile, UNRE Student Representative Council (SRC) President, Israel Yafai, said that the student riot came about due to unresolved issues in the school such as the courses offered by the UNRE that are not captured by the Department of Higher Education, Research, Science & Technology (DHERST). This he said was especially the new School of Environment and Climate Change, which has seen many students enrolling for this course as self-sponsored. Yafai further stressed that these issues need to be sorted out by the school administration and has also claimed that they have been brought to the attention of the school Senior Management Team however, nothing has been done to address their issues, which has now resulted in the boycott. Moreover, the students have refused to present their petitions to the Governor and have demanded the presence of the Minister for Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology to be present at the school for them to address their issues. The students have also demanded that the school Senior Management Team vacate their offices.