Staff and patients from the TB Clinic at the Port Moresby General Hospital (PMGH) today commemorated World TB Day that is observed every year on the 24th of March, with the theme, “Yes! We can end TB.” The day itself provides awareness to the global community and efforts taken to end the disease as it is 100% curable. Statistics show that in Papua New Guinea (PNG) alone, a total of 5, 000 people lose their lives every year from the deadly disease when not treated quickly. PMGH Acting Coordinator for Internal Medicine, Dr. Cassius Maingu, stressed on the importance of receiving treatment because the leading factor in which the deadly virus can spread, is through community transmission especially in marginalized populations and overcrowded areas, and children and people living with HIV/AIDS are at more risk of contracting it because their immune systems are not strong. “In terms of seeking treatment, it is curable and the goals of TB treatment includes eradication of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection, preventing transmission, preventing relapse of disease, and preventing development of drug resistance.” Community support also helps boost one to seek the help they need; therefore, the doctor encouraged everyone to reach out to those suffering to ensure that they go for a check ups. “Let’s not discriminate, let’s make it our responsibility to help play a part. This way we help put an end to TB when we help others seek treatment quickly.” Often, the duration of receiving treatment varies from six to 24 months, and with the new medicines introduced into the health systems, they can cure drug resistant TB in six months. Meanwhile, according to Project Coordinator with Child TB-HIV at PMGH, Verlyn Apis, the statistics for children with TB has shown a total of 912 cases recorded since last year. “Every year we see an increase in TB cases where we treat patients from areas of Gulf, Central Province and NCD who come to PMGH for treatment.” As part of today’s event of bringing about awareness, the main goal is to involve more support from communities and families and that requires collaboration from everyone. The hospital also provides counsellors for patients who do not have anyone else for support.  

Daru Provincial Hospital in South Fly District, Western Province is one of the first facilities in the country to receive a 16 module – 10 color GeneXpert machine from. The GeneXpert machine will be used for the detection of MTB – XDR TB at the provincial laboratory at Daru hospital. Xpert MTB/XDR is a rapid test for detecting tuberculosis and drug resistance in one test, suitable for laboratories that do not require advanced skills and infrastructure. According to National TB Program Manager, Dr. Margaret Karl, Western Province reports the highest number of TB cases in the country which requires more intervention to curb the disease burden. “This machine will help decentralize TB testing and management back within the province which the National Department of Health aims to achieve across the country.” Being that, the team from the National TB Program and the Central Public Health Laboratories conducted an orientation training on how to use the new machine to laboratory officers from Daru and Kiunga Hospitals as well as the Mabudauan Health Centre which are all Basic Management Units (BMUs) for TB in the province. CPHL Chief Scientist, Jennifer Banamu stated that once MTB – XDR is detected, patients will be commenced on correct treatment early to stop the spread of TB. Furthermore, Western Provincial Health Authority’s (WPHA) Curative Health Director Dr. Miriam Boga acknowledged the continuous support from the National Department of Health through NTP and CPHL as well as other health partners in the fight against TB in Western Province. WPHA remains committed to providing accessible and optimal healthcare services to the people of Western Province.

The Investment Promotion Authority (IPA) wishes to inform its valued clients, stakeholders, business community and the general public that there will be two series of weekend shutdowns of the Online Registry System (ORS). The purpose for these planned shutdowns will be to allow uninterrupted data migration from the old to the current database respectively. In this respect, the IPA registry services will not be available to the public for the following two weekends; first weekend shutdown will be from 5:00PM on Friday 17 March to 7:00AM on Monday 20 March and the second weekend shutdown will be from 5:00PM on Friday 24 March to 7:00AM on Monday 27 March. IPA anticipates to have the major part of the data migration process undertaken by the end of the two stated shutdowns which will in turn pave way for the conclusion of the whole data migration process. While they endeavor to maintain minimal shutdown periods and during non-peak periods, IPA has requested for their valued clients for their patience and understanding during the course of this process. IPA sincerely apologizes in advance for any inconveniences this may cause. For any related queries, do not hesitate to contact their team on telephone numbers 308 4439 and 308 4442 or email ipaonline@ipa.gov.pg

“Teenage pregnancies are on the rise in the Eastern Highlands because the family planning coverage is really low.” This is according to Family Planning Coordinator of the Eastern Highlands Provincial Health Authority’s Family Planning Center, Sister Anna Pongua who says the Center has aimed for at least 25% coverage among women in the province, but have only 8% of women accessing family planning methods in the last year. The main reason for this unmet need for family planning is the stigma that comes along with it. Sr Anna stated that young people especially believe the narrative that family planning is only for married couples or people with children. She also shared that another reason for the low uptake of family planning is that husbands are stopping their wives from using birth control because of the misconception that it encourages promiscuity in marriages. Combating these misconceptions around contraception is critical to increasing uptake and reducing maternal injury and death. “Information is power, people do not know important information about family planning. That is why they do not try to access it.” Meanwhile, according to United Nations Population Fund State of the World Midwifery Report, PNG has one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the world. A significant contributing factor is the unmet need for family planning and contraceptives, which leaves women vulnerable to unplanned pregnancies and having pregnancies too close together, which increases the risk of complications. UNFPA Supplies provides family planning commodities, including condoms, oral contraceptive pills, implants, injectables, IUDs, and training for health care in supply chain management to ensure that a full range of contraceptive choices are available to women in PNG. “I would like to acknowledge the quality of the family planning commodities procured through the UNFPA. Without the support of UNFPA, we would not be able to administer safe and high-quality family planning services,” said Sr Anna. “In a month, the center has almost 200 women coming in to receive implants seeing that most women in the province prefer implants.” In addition, Sr. Anna shared her concern that there remains a need for an in-depth assessment to identify the gaps in the access to family planning commodities in the province. There are currently 36 operating Family Planning Centers in the province with a need for more family planning commodities to ensure these centers can meet the needs of their communities. “After we assess the gaps, we will be able to know what is wrong and the best ways to address these gaps in family planning, understand the barriers surrounding family planning, and improve the access to it.” Sr. Anna also acknowledged the three trainings on family planning facilitated by UNFPA PNG for their team in the province between 2018 and 2019. “We thank UNFPA for its continued support this year and we hope to change the statistics on family planning use in Eastern Highlands.”

BSP PNG with support partner Cricket PNG, launched the BSP School Kriket program in Lae's Eriku Oval to kick start the program for schools throughout the country. This year marks the 14th year of BSP and CPNG partnership in hosting the program that involves elementary, primary and secondary schools in the country. BSP Momase Area Manager, Barry Namongo said sports is such an important part of children and young people’s education, not only for their physical fitness, but to create a sense of belonging and wellbeing to a community. “Schools play an important role in connecting community sport, thus, we are incredibly honored to be here in helping our schools increase the learning and sporting potential from one of the world award winning school sports programs,” said Mr. Namongo. “With the hope of sustaining and growing the BSP School program participation and enabling more schools to participate, we are grateful to launch this program here in Lae.” This program will increase student engagement in the sport of cricket, which has been building in recent times, and to form a rewarding connection with the communities. In addition to this, CEO of Cricket PNG, Greg Campbell also said that the BSP School Kriket Program is focused on developing boys and girls participation in cricket. “We believe our holiday cricket programs such as the school cricket blast will inspire more participating schools from Lae. This program creates pathways in the sport helping to build our next generation of players who hopefully become future PNG Lewas and PNG Barramundis.” Since 2009, BSP has invested K5.52 million in total for the program accommodating 12 participating provinces in the country reaching 150,000 participants annually. The program is by far the largest junior school program in the country and the largest junior sports program in the East Asia Pacific.

In its sixth year, PNG Fashion Week has evolved into an iconic brand, providing mesmerizing experiences and opportunities for patrons to witness the latest in PNG design and wearable art and just recently, it launched its theme for this year, “Voyager”. According to PNG Fashion Week Director and Founder Miss Philma Kelegai, they chose this theme to signifying storytelling told through the textiles and fashions. The 2023 PNG Fashion Week also announced during a recent conference that Hilton Port Moresby will be its venue partner for the third time. “As the nation's premier fashion platform, it is only fitting that we partner with the premier hotel in the country, the Hilton Port Moresby.” “We have been so fortunate to partner with a global brand that recognizes and celebrates Papua New Guinea, in not just its events, but in its people, in its respect for culture and tradition, in the little things. We look forward to a great partnership.” Meanwhile Hiltons Commercial Manager, Mr. Robbie Turner echoed the same sentiments and now both iconic brands are gearing up for the nation's signature event; the NGCB Paradise Runway. Fashion designers and creatives who participate are asked to create fifteen pieces for their collections for PNG Fashion Week’s signature event; the NGCB Paradise Runway which will be held on 16th September. With one foot firmly planted in culture and the other stepping towards the future, PNG Fashion Week at this year's NGCB Paradise Runway is the future of culture. In addition to this, designers are recognized and celebrate excellence in the creative and cultural industries. Meanwhile, in its third year, SP Export has taken the naming rights of the PNG Fashion Awards. Kelegai said that it is important that they recognize and celebrate fashion designers and artists who create incredible works of art and the partnership with SP Export allows them to give these fashion designers and artists that freedom. Furthermore, Miss Shandi Bock, Brand Manager of Heineken, SP Export Lager & SolBrew Lager, reaffirmed SP Export’s commitment to the PNG Fashion Awards. “It is important that SP Export partners with world class brands like PNG Fashion Week. SP Export is all about celebrating the best of PNG and we are excited to see what this year's fashion designers and artists bring to the table.” The prizes that will be awarded during that event will include a K10,000 cash prize to the SP Export Designer of the Year, a K5,000 cash prize to the SP Export Rising Star and so much more.

Strong bilateral relations shared between PNG and China is paving way for the advancement in education at Butuka Academy Secondary School in Port Moresby, Not only is the Chinese Government facilitating the contruction and maintenance of the school's existing infrastructure, but more so, with raising the bar in academic standards by bringing in specialized teachers to provide quality education  in subjects such as Mathematics, Music and Sports. In addition, the friendship in education will open doors for over 3,000 students who complete their studies to excel their education with a chance to study in China through scholarships provided by the Chinese Government and people. This week Butuka Academy Secondary School welcomed the Chinese Government Special Envoy for Pacific Countries Affairs, His Excellency Qian Bo who made his first official visit to the school since taking up his new role. The visit to the Chinese-PNG friendship school included promoting and strengthening the existing bilateral relations between PNG and China through education. “I am privileged of visiting this school which is a symbol of China- PNG friendship that will represent the future. Education is the important skill in society which plays an important role.” Ambassador Bo expressed how pleased he was with the outcome of students who have been learning Mandarin and promised scholarships in China. “I plan on working with the Minister for Foreign Affairs now to promote this relationship.” Butuka Academy has been teaching high quality education to its students since its establishment in 2019 with the recent inclusion of teaching Chinese Mandarin language in class taught by Chinese teachers. Minister for Foreign Affairs and Member for Moresby South, Justin Tkatchenko said the school will now have more teachers provided for them by the Chinese Government. “You students are the key for the success of this school. Learning Chinese will open many doors for you to move into the future and it will give you many opportunities having a second language like Chinese and will also broaden your knowledge of the area.” “We thank the Chinese Government for the maintenance of the school with Chinese State they have been given the contract to maintain the school for the next 20 years.” Tkatchenko said that with more upcoming infrastructures still underway, the students have no excuses now when it comes to learning as the school is equipped with the best facilities.

Seeking chemotherapy can be quite a challenge for one who has been fighting breast cancer for three years now. Shulei ToGuata, age 39, has been on a journey on her road to recovery since finding out the appalling news about what she was going to endure. It was in 2020 when Shulei and her family found out about the shocking news when she first realized a lump on her right breast. She had it checked in 2021 and a biopsy revealed Stage 2A invasive ductal carcinoma. Quick checks were done before a mastectomy took place towards the end of 2021. Upon receiving chemotherapy at the Port Moresby General Hospital, Shulei expressed how difficult it can be due to the limitation of proper medical equipment the hospital had to offer. Many a times, this has caused the interruption of her treatments. In 2021, a mastectomy had to be done; this is a surgery done to remove part or all of the breast. Shulei recalled how overwhelming it was for her that she had to undergo something like this which affected her psychologically. The doctors however advised her that it was best that the entire breast be removed to prevent future recurrence. Last August, Shulei noticed a growing lump around her ear, and upon bringing it to the attention of the doctor, was informed that it was a possible reaction to the chemo treatment, but later finding out that the cancer had spread. Disappointed with the fact that her concern wasn’t taken seriously, Shulei continued her journey with a positive mindset. “After six cycles of chemotherapy, further tests were conducted and these tests indicated that the cancer has spread into my left side and to nodes on my lungs.” “My first chemo treatment had to be rescheduled as we had to purchase the chemo drugs that the hospital didn’t have. One pharmacy charged K700 whilst another charged just under K300 for the same quantity. Purchasing these drugs is costly but it had to be done.” The ratio of one doctor to 20+ patients a day is impractical, and with only a total of five beds in the treatment room, limits chances of seeking real time medical attention from the doctor and if not on the schedule, patients will have to wait for the next schedule and in the process, allowing the cancer  to spread. “Referrals for further treatment was another concerning issue I had to face where things were not done in a timely manner and having to wait for medical report took long.” With no specialized doctors, Shulei had to be put on hormonal drugs for the time being and with no radio therapy available, seeking health care in country was no more a viable option. She must now receive treatment elsewhere and that it is to seek medical care overseas and with that Shulei had received a referral from the doctors to seek further medical assistance in Townsville, Australia. “I have received a referral to see a doctor in Townsville for preliminary tests including a PET scan. This initial trip is estimated to cost around PGK50, 000 in which we have been blessed to have support for.” “However, we will need funds to help us with daily costs while on this trip for mobility, meals and to prepare for further treatment costs. We are so grateful for the support and love given along this journey and appreciative of every gift.” Shulei was told that they should raise up to K100, 000 for her treatment and extra expenses as they are unsure of the costs that will be incurrerd going forward. She is expected to travel overseas soon, however, is yet to sort out a couple more things before making the trip. Shulei and her family are currently hosting fundraisings. Check out her Facebook page- Road to Recovery, to seek more information if interested to help out. “Through my journey, I always have a positive mindset, and that I am living life as it should be but most importantly to take one step at a time. I am forever grateful to my loving husband who has been with me till the beginning and for the support from my colleagues, friends and most importantly my family.”

Prime Minister (PM) James Marape has offered the country’s support to Vanuatu after the disasters brought on by tropical cyclones Judy and Kevin. PM Marape offered his sympathies to the people of Vanuatu and said that Papua New Guinea (PNG) stood ready to assist its Melanesian brother regain its footing after natural disasters hit the island nation last  Friday. According to the Fiji Meteorology Service, Vanuatu was first hit by Category 4 tropical Cyclone Judy and two days later by Tropical Cyclone Kevin, with winds measuring up to 230 kilometers an hour. In addition to the natural disaster caused by the cyclones, two earthquakes hit on Friday as well that registered 6.5 and 5.4 in magnitude respectively. No casualties have been reported as yet, but hundreds of people remain in emergency evacuation centers in the Capital of Port Vila. PM Marape said his government would do everything to help the people of Vanuatu overcome these disasters. "I am very concerned to hear this news of destruction and damage brought about by the cyclones. Our Pacific Island states are prone to natural disasters of all kinds and the smaller island countries feel the effects, even bigger countries like PNG. As Pacific people, we always stand together united to face these challenges.” "PNG and Vanuatu share a long history of working together and at this time when our Melanesian wantok needs our help, once more we will give the needed support to help those affected rebuild their lives in the aftermath of Cyclone Kevin.” Meanwhile, PNG also felt the impacts of the two cyclones with the strong winds and heavy rains, although not as bad as Vanuatu did. Provinces like West New Britain felt the impact of it with strong winds and rain causing damages. PM Marape stated that assessments of the damages would be carried out and government support would also be given to the affected Papua New Guineans.  

Female students attending the Tabubil International and Secondary School were recently given the opportunity to learn about the different trades training provided by OK Tedi Mining Ltd (OTML). The students visited OTML’s Dr. Jacob Weiss Training Centre last month as part of the International Day for Women and Girls in Science. Their visit was organized by the Ok Tedi Women’s Network and OTML’s Organizational Training and Development Department. The students consisted grades eight to twelve where they were given a tour of the training center; the type of trade training available, what is involved in each trade as well as what grade point averages they need to attain to apply for the OTML apprenticeship training program. The courses they need to take in secondary schools to allow them to stream into apprentice careers were also discussed during this visit. With that came the privilege to meet and talk to some of the Company’s apprentices. In addition, other OTML training programs such as the Graduate Development Scheme, and the Preferred Area Development training programs were also covered during the students’ visit. OWN Chairperson, Beverly Pasen, said her association has always observed the day annually with various activities, one of which involves school visits to talk to students, especially girls about what women in the various fields of science do. “This year we thought it would be more enlightening for the students to visit an actual operational area and see first-hand what women in science fields do, and we found it brought a lot of curious and eager questions from these students.” “OWN is looking forward to conducting more of such programs in the future to help young women choose a career in the field of science.” Meantime, by doing this, OWN can help to grow the pipeline of females who may one day work with OTML or other organizations within PNG and abroad. "OK Tedi is an equal opportunity employer and believes a gender-diverse workforce encourages optimum performance and best results for its business."

The PNG University of Technology (PNGUoT) and the University of PNG School of Medicine and Health Sciences (UPNG SMHS) are the first two universities in the country to co-create policies to make education more inclusive for women and girls. In February, the Papua New Guinea-Australia Partnership’s Incentive Fund worked with Unitech and the UPNG SMHS to develop new Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) policies which will embed equity, access and inclusion in all structures, policies and practices to support the welfare of staff and students. The policies were developed during workshops facilitated by Incentive Fund and attended by 43 people across both institutions, including lecturers, staff and student representatives. Spokesperson from the Unitech’s Projects Office, Daryl Likius, said that Incentive Fund will continue to hold GEDSI training workshops with other partner organizations to support them develop and formalize relevant policies that are inclusive and which will ensure women and girls, and people with disability, are able to access education and development opportunities equally. “The workshop helped me understand the importance of GEDSI in my work particularly in the infrastructure department.” “Disability inclusion has never been part of our planning and implementation.” “GEDSI inclusion is an area we have not considered throughout our operations although the university's strategic plan talks about inclusion.” Both Unitech and UPNG SMHS have received Incentive Fund grants to construct accommodation for female students and increased access to tertiary education for women across PNG. In addition to this, Unitech has received PGK15 million to build a 100-bed dormitory for female students and UPNG SMHS has been granted PGK8.7 million grant to construct 40 bed dormitory. Both projects are due to be completed this year.

United Nations has released reports on the latest estimates of maternal deaths, showing that a woman dies every two minutes during pregnancy or childbirth. The report, which tracks maternal deaths nationally, regionally and globally from 2000 to 2020, shows there were an estimated 287,000 maternal deaths worldwide in 2020. This marks only a slight decrease in 2016 when the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) came into effect. In Papua New Guinea, the report estimates the likelihood of a 15-year-old girl will eventually die from a maternal cause is 1 in 150. This is compared to 1 in 960 for a girl in Fiji, and 1 in 19,000 for a girl in Australia. United Nations Population Fund has an ambitious goal aimed to eliminate preventable maternal deaths completely and to invest in women’s sexual and reproductive health, including strengthening the supply chain of essential maternal health medicines and to also invest in the health workforce. PNG needs a minimum of 5000 qualified midwives to change the statistics on maternal mortality however only have a total of 800. In March, UNFPA will be looking forward in sharing some new data from Papua New Guinea. Their Health Facilities Survey looks at the availability of reproductive health commodities across 160 health facilities and the Socio-Demographic and Economic Survey, completed in partnership with the NSO with support from the Australian Government, will provide the latest statistics on household income and livelihoods. With that, UNFPA hopes to have more population data available in March. Following in the same month, they will be bringing three plays by Andrew Kuliniasi to the stage at Moresby Arts Theatre: He is Victor, For my Father, and the brand new Letters from Bradley. Premiering on March 16, Letters is a hard-hitting exploration on gender-based violence and a must-see for all supporters in the march to end Gender-Based Violence and harmful practices.