Papua New Guinea, a home to a thousand tribes and cultures, has seen and gone through a lot of changes in terms of modernization and adapting to the Western culture. However, many Papua New Guineans still stand firm to their traditional beliefs and culture and as a result, the PNG Music Foundation plans to bring about empowering the Music Industry especially contemporary and traditional cultural music. Being the first of its kind for this year, the PNG Music Foundation hosted a PNG Contemporary Ethno and Folklore Music Festival to bring about promoting culture through traditional songs and dances. Founder of PNG Music Foundation, Mr. Samson Sala said that the foundation has been hosting and organizing several festivals internationally and in the pacific and this year, they continue that path by creating more festivals such as this one. “This festival is mainly aimed for contemporary tumbuna songs. We as a Foundation promote culture but we don’t really portray tumbuna songs and so we decided to focus more on this for the sake of our upcoming generation.” The first of its kind festival had 30 group performances portraying a variety of unique dances and singsing representing the different provinces. “Tumbuna songs have meanings in all aspects of culture especially during special occasions such as haus krai, bride price, initiations and other important cultural events.” Samson expressed the importance of songs as a way of bringing peace and that it is the power of culture which sadly is slowly dying. “We are not strengthening our culture that God gave to us. It’s the backbone of our life. We should keep holding onto it and promote it every day." "Therefore, it is important we host such events like this so that our generation does not grow up without knowing or inheriting their culture.” The theme of the event is, “PROMOTE PEACE THROUGH OUR TUMBUNA SONGS AND CULTURE”, and has already seen a good number of singsing groups who came forward to present in their respective traditional songs and dances. “We must live in peace which is portrayed in our different cultural songs.” “”We see violence happening everywhere and its concerning to see that it is increasing. Therefore, it is important that we stimulate more cultural songs until our people are well adapted and becomes a norm.” Samson has further acknowledged sponsor, Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority for the support in empowering such events. “The foundation is also looking forward in bringing in more talents which can also create more employment opportunities.” He added, “The foundation is now working towards making this event way for youths to be part of and for the event to be hosted at least twice a year.” [embed]https://fb.watch/iZbDFxClc6/[/embed]

The Ministerial Vaccine Taskforce from the National Control Centre, led by Deputy Controller Dr. Daoni Esorom, recently met with the West Sepik Provincial Health Authority (PHA) to discuss and implement effective ways to solve some of West Sepik Province’s challenges in terms of COVID 19 vaccination. As per the mission of the Vaccine Taskforce, it was identified that out of 38 health facilities in West Sepik, 28 had no stock of COVID 19 vaccines while 7 only had access to COVID 19 vaccines. Three facilities neither had COVID 19 vaccines, nor Cold Chain Equipment to store vaccines. Dr. Daoni strongly advised the West Sepik PHA that it was advisable to incorporate five priority areas of focus into PHA work plans, which were Surveillance, Laboratory Services, Logistics and Supply, Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE) activities and vaccines. He added that these were key areas to ensure the effective delivery of basic health services to the entire population and to manage Public Health Emergency and Safety. “Vaccine Taskforce will be working alongside leaders and Provincial Health Authorities to ensure health facilities are stocked with COVID 19 vaccine by March.” “We need to take care of our vaccines and ensure they are accessible, given the high costs of vaccines and how it is saving our government so much money with the help of donor partners to make vaccines available for our country.” The Vaccine Taskforce is integrating its focus in vaccines deployment to ensure that from next month onward, routine immunization will also be a key focus for the Vaccine Taskforce as it collaboratively works with other health authorities and donor partners to normalize the uptake of COVID 19 vaccines in the country. Furthermore, West Sepik PHA was commended for its effective RCCE and health promotional activities, driving its routine immunization to 50% coverage: one of the top three provinces in the country. Lead partner to the West Sepik PHA, PATH expressed its gratitude to the support from the National Control Centre for the implementation of COVID 19 programs. This paved way for PATH to expand into to other priority areas that contributes to health systems strengthening in the province. Meanwhile Director of Provincial Health West Sepik, Dr. Trevor Kelebi, said that NCC’s presence shows the commitment in bettering not just management of COVID 19 West Sepik Province but also other health services. “Uptake of COVID vaccination is the best way to ensure the protection of one’s health and that of their families.”

A total of seventeen prisoners broke out yesterday at the Kerevat Prison in East New Britain Province. This was confirmed by Kerevat Correctional Service Jail Commander, Margaret Garap, who said that out of the seventeen who escaped, twelve are remandees and five convicted criminals. According to Garap, the prisonbreak took place between 10am to 12pm. “The prisoners broke out during the time it was raining where they had managed to escape through the fence that was mended due to previous breakouts at the prison. The fence was easy to break open due to it being rusty which made it easy for them to escape.” The breakout was later confirmed when the officers on duty for the next shift which is between 2pm to 10pm, had realized that the prisoners escaped when the officers did a roll call. Being that, Garap stated that the officers on duty at the time of the escape will be dealt with accordingly, starting off with their suspensions. She also confirmed that there were four officers on duty at that time of the escape. “The police in East New Britain have been alerted and will be on the lookout for any suspicious reports or movements in the province.” Meanwhile the Commissioner for Correctional Services, Stephen Pokanis has been made aware of the situation, and has instructed that a full investigation be done. “A full report of the incident should be done and completed by tomorrow morning with the list of names of the prisoners and the status of their offences as well as the names of the officers on duty at that time.” Furthermore, the New Guinea Islands CS Assistant Commissioner, Philip Pranis, has also confirmed the breakout and has received instructions to take proper actions leading to this case. “I will be flying to the province as per the instructions from the CS Commissioner, and will need to get a good explanation from the commanding officer of Kerevat Prison as to why this case seems to be a reoccurring issue.” In addition to this, Pranis also informed the commanding officer to provide names of the officers on duty at the time of the incident, who then will be disciplined accordingly and will face suspension.

United Nations Population Fund Agencies has reported that every two minutes, a woman dies during pregnancy or childbirth. This report of trends in maternal mortality, reveals alarming setbacks for women’s health over recent years, as maternal deaths either increased or stagnated in nearly all regions of the world. Director-General of the World Health Organization, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said that while pregnancy should be a time of immense hope and a positive experience for all women, it is tragically still a shockingly dangerous experience for millions around the world who lack access to high quality, respectful health care. “These new statistics reveal the urgent need to ensure every woman and girl has access to critical health services before, during and after childbirth, and that they can fully exercise their reproductive rights.” 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 from 309, 000 in 2016 when the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) came into effect. While the report presents some significant progress in reducing maternal deaths between 2000 and 2015, gains largely stalled. In addition to this, UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell said that for millions of families, the miracle of childbirth is marred by the tragedy of maternal deaths. She added "No mother should have to fear for her life while bringing a baby into the world, especially when the knowledge and tools to treat common complications exist." “Equity in healthcare gives every mother, no matter who they are or where they are, a fair chance at a safe delivery and a healthy future with their family.” Meanwhile, maternal deaths continue to be largely concentrated in the poorest parts of the world and in countries affected by conflict." "In 2020, about 70% of all maternal deaths were in sub-Saharan Africa and in nine countries facing severe humanitarian crises, maternal mortality rates were more than double the world average. This saw a total of 551 maternal deaths per 100 000 live births." Global Director for Health, Nutrition and Population at the World Bank, Juan Pablo Uribe said this report provides yet another stark reminder of the urgent need to double down on our commitment to women and adolescent health. "Leading causes of maternal deaths includes severe bleeding, high blood pressure, pregnancy-related infections, complications from unsafe abortion, and underlying conditions that can be aggravated by pregnancy." "These are all largely preventable and treatable with access to high-quality and respectful healthcare." "Community-centered primary health care can meet the needs of women, children and adolescents and enable equitable access to critical services such as assisted births and pre- and postnatal care, childhood vaccinations, nutrition and family planning." "However, underfunding of primary health care systems, a lack of trained health care workers, and weak supply chains for medical products can be seen as a threatening progress if not made priority." Furthermore, a total of 270 million women lack access to modern family planning methods. Exercising control over their reproductive health is critical to ensure that women can plan and space childbearing to protect their health. Furthermore, COVID-19 pandemic may have further hindered progress in maternal health. "Noting the current data series ends in 2020, more data will be needed to show the true impacts of the pandemic on maternal deaths." "However, COVID-19 infections can increase risks during pregnancy, so countries should take action to ensure pregnant women and those planning pregnancies have access to COVID-19 vaccines and effective antenatal care."

Several schools in Port Moresby had to close early this week due to the water outage experienced in the city. Some of the schools that had to send students home early are Butuka Academy, Badihagwa Secondary, Kilakila Secondary, Tokarara Secondary, and Gerehu Secondary schools to name a few. Principal of the Gerehu Secondary school, Mr. Besoko Aguna, said by 12noon, all students were sent home on Wednesday due to water cuts at the school. “From the information we heard, we know that there was an issue up at Rauna which we understand caused the water cut in the city. I can’t say much nor can I blame anyone." "I understand that this beyond Water PNG’s control but I hope that something is done about it,” said Principal Aguna. “School resumed today, but if the issue continues, then the students will be sent home early again.” However, some schools in the city had normal classes like St. Charles Lwanga Secondary school in Gerehu. According to the school’s Principal Br. Joymon Mathew, the school had standby water tanks and standby power generators that kept the school running the full day. Meanwhile, Water PNG has confirmed that the full restoration of water supply may go beyond 24 hours.

Water PNG has remained silent on the extent of the water outage and its efforts to fully restore water supply in most parts of Port Moresby. Water supply was shut early this morning in the city without advance notice from the water authority affecting thousands of city residents, schools and business houses who depend on it. Before midday, PNG Power Ltd told resdents that its Rauna one (1) and Rauna three (3) upsteam gates at the Hydro powerstation was over flowing with debris caused by this week's heavy rains that forced the sudden closure of the water mains. PNG HAUSBUNG have contacted Water PNG for a response on the disruption and are yet to hear from them. Some parts of the city had their taps running again after 10am. We will bring you more updates on the restoration of water supply as soon as we get a response from the water company.

Marie Stopes PNG plans to improve its services on delivering sexual and reproductive health based on its quality and standards to the people of Port Moresby city. Therefore, as part of working towards building that, Marie Stopes and the National Capital District (NCD) Provincial Health Authority (PHA) have continued their partnership for another year in making sure that its services on Sexual and Reproductive Health are delivered effectively to all communities in NCD. NCD PHA CEO Dr. Steven Yennie said that the signing of this Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is a continuity of their commitment of bringing about better health services to the people and to continue their goal in strengthening those services. “We are very keen on working with Marie Stopes and with this partnership, it will provide an increase coverage on the utilization of a sustainable high quality inclusive and integrated services with both static and mobile clinic, increase in technical training and capacity development and strengthening of the health system.” Marie Stopes has been working alongside the NCD PHA for quite some time with the mindset of extending the service delivery, especially to areas where these services have not reached yet. Being that, Yennie stated that one of the challenges faced in the public health is that there is a huge demand based on the growing population; therefore, NCD PHA is pleased to work alongside their partners to make sure that health issues are addressed. “Apart from Marie Stopes, we also have other existing partners including our major ones who are World Vision and UNICEF as well as other organizations whom we are yet to get on board in creating a partnership with them.” Meanwhile, Marie Stopes PNG Country Director, Ms. Angelyn Famudi, stressed on the quality of better Sexual and Reproductive health services. She said it was important in having partners like this especially government stakeholders to really boost their goal purpose, which is to improve Family Planning. “I look forward for another year of service delivery now with NCD PHA on board again for another year and moving forward. I also acknowledge this partnership because as we all must know, sexual and reproductive health is very important across all sectors of the community.”

Business is booming for an ambitious make- up artist who dreams of becoming a successful entrepreneur one day. Jayde Jemimah Ovia, age 25 from Gulf and Central Province has been providing her make up services to young girls and women in Port Moresby. Over the years, Ovia has been providing her services to young ladies and women for special occasions such as graduations, business events and has also assisted in providing her services to little girls in schools performing in school plays as well as mini fashion shows. As part of building her career, Ovia has introduced a Jayde’s Makeup Service’s Beginners class which is comprised of two sessions; the first part is a theory class and second which is applying the product. “The first session is to know and understand the product; being able to learn what a brush and a sponge is used for and how it is used. From there, we then move to our second session which is now applying the product based on what we learnt from the first session.” The aim for this beginner’s class is to make sure that everyone knows the purpose of each product and most importantly know what type of rightful product to use according to how well it matches the skin tone. Ovia added that she also aims to teach as many ladies as possible who can able to do their own make-up not only for special events, but for work or leisure. In addition to this, Ovia successfully completed the first beginner’s class, which took place on the 28th of January. A total of seven participants attended the session upon paying K150 for registration before they were taught the basics of make-up and its products. “This beginner’s class is targeted for people here in Port Moresby to attend, however, people from other parts of the country have also shown interest to join in which I am now looking to expand.” Ovia stated that the overall review of the first session was a success and turned out amazingly well. The information disseminated to them was great and the participants were all excited. As for those residing in other parts of the country, Ovia will be arranging a session for them depending on the number of participants and with a minimum of ten people. Meanwhile, she is currently providing her services from home and also at her customers’ homes if need be but only within city limits. “Though I am still at the premature stage of my business, my aim now is to one day expand by building and owning my own studio.” “Right now I am solely operating but once I expand, I will engage more people who have an interest in cosmetics, can work for me. That way, I am also creating employment opportunities for those who have an interest in this field.”

In preparation for the upcoming NCD Boxing trials which will take place this month, Head Coach for Team NCD Boxing Mr. Junior Kauko Raka, has encouraged females to take part in boxing. He said this sport is not only aimed for men and young boys to take part but also for women. “Previous years, majority of males have been taking part with only a few females and with a number of major championships and tournaments coming up this year, we would like to give a chance to those who have yet to portray their talents.” Raka added that the trials is a way forward for women who are interested to join and if lucky can make it into the main championships such as the PNG Games. The NCD Boxing Trials, which was initially schedule to take place on the 28th and the 29th of January, has been postponed to this month, February. This is due to sponsorship of funding that the NCD Governor Powes Parkop is yet to provide. Raka stated that the governor is still under treatment in Australia and should be able to get some form of advice next week. “Though the trials were postponed, we still hosted a boxing match over the weekend at Lamana where interested boxers and clubs came forward to take part in preparation for the trials.” At this point, there are a total of nine clubs set to take part in the trials, which is for the selections for Team NCD to take part in the 2023 PNG Games in June. The National Capital District Boxing Association in partnership with Raka Boxing will be hosting the trials. Raka further added that there is still time for those interested clubs and individuals who want to take part in the upcoming trials. Those interested can reach out to him via his Facebook page TEAM RAKA BOXING Papua New Guinea or can contact him on 79721762. Confirmation of trial dates will be announced next week.

Divine Word University in Madang are yet to receive payment from the TESAS scholarship since the second semester of last year. President of DWU, Professor Fr Philip Gibbs, confirmed this stating that the Government has an outstanding of over K4 million in which they are yet to pay the Institution. “Every year, fees are subsidized for TESAS students where a student pays only 70% of the school fees and the rest paid by the Government. We are now waiting for the funds to be released in order for the Institution to operate efficiently this year as we depend mostly on the funds to run the school.” According to Fr Philip, registrations will start on the 6th to the 10th of February he hopes that the funds will be paid on time before school resumes. As for students who may make late registrations, the deadline for that is on the 17th of February. In addition to this, Fr Philip made clear that if the Government through Department of Higher Education Research, Science and Technology does not pay the outstanding funds from last year on time then the University will not be allowing this year’s graduation to take place in March. Meanwhile, the Acting Secretary of DHERST Dr. Francis Hualupmomi in responding to DWU concerns raised, has confirmed that the total outstanding of K33.3 million owed to all registered Universities will be paid this week. “The Treasury Department has already released warrants by instalments as of last week and this week we will commence the process of dispersing the funds to all Higher learning institutions to sort out the outstanding for the second semester.” “I advise all institutions to allow the continuing students to register and the final year students to graduate as funds will be coming in. This is to ensure that everyone continue their studies and that the students graduate.” Furthermore, for this year’s 2023 Academic year, TESAS funds will be released this week as well. Dr. Hualupmomi added that the Department of Treasury has already released warrants and will be paid in installments by semester. “This year’s budget for Higher Education, was allocated a total of K101.5 million, in which was cut down to K47.7 million, however, negotiations were made between the us and the Department of Treasury and the Treasury Department will now be allocating the full amount of K101. 5 million to all institutions.” DHERST has also advised PNG HAUSBUNG News that the HELP program will continue and DHERST has advised students to apply now for the HELP program if they do face financial constraints. Dr. Hualupmomi said students should check their nearest Air Niugini office as of next week to obtain their ticket to fly to their respective tertiary institution.

Teachers’ welfare seems to be an ongoing issue for teachers like those at the Tanaka Primary School in East New Britain Province. Teachers’ leave fares and pay cuts are serious issues that the school has been dealing with according to Head Master Mr. Kuki Sero. He said this was not only a concern for them but for all teachers across the province and the country. “Half of my teaching staff received their leave fares whilst the second lot are yet to receive theirs, hopefully by the end of this month.” In addition to this, pay cuts is also another serious matter for the teachers as most of them have had their fortnightly pays cut whilst others have been without pay for at least three to four consecutive fortnights now, including Mr. Sero himself who claims he has had his pay cut for three consecutive fortnights now. “We are yet to receive an explanation from the government through the Provincial Education Board as to why this on- going issue has not been sorted out yet.” Sero stated that they hope to receive some answers when they officially launch the academic year when school resumes on the 23rd of this month. Meanwhile, the school will soon be a Junior High school as of next year with the introduction of grades 9 and 10. According to Sero, the school is currently undergoing infrastructures for a 6 in 1 building. “The project is co- funded by the two districts; Gazelle and Kokopo District. A funding of K200, 000 has been given by Kokopo, whilst the Gazelle District has given K300, 000.”

Air Niugini have announced the cancellation of all domestic flights today due to a fuel restriction imposed by Puma Energy. This has caused disappointment and frustrations for many passengers who arrived as early as 5am to the airport only to find out their flights had been cancelled after the prolonged delays. Many of these passengers are in fact travelling back from their holidays and have been anxiously waiting for an update from Air Niugini which eventually came at 1pm this afternoon. Air Niugini announced at the Jacksons Airport domestic terminal that all domestic flights for the remainder of today have been cancelled and passengers have been asked to return tomorrow morning. An ANG officer on duty also advised passengers to rebook their tickets in order to secure their space. It is uncertain at this time when flights will resume with no assurance given as it is beyond ANG’s control.