Port Moresby General Hospital (PMGH) has recorded an increase in dengue fever and malaria cases and is urging the public to take immediate preventive measures, particularly during the current period of heavy rainfall and heightened mosquito activity. According to PMGH Pathology Workload and Disease Surveillance data, the hospital has confirmed 86 positive cases of dengue and 18 cases of malaria. Some of the malaria infections involve Plasmodium falciparum, a more severe form of the disease. Hospital authorities say mosquito-borne illnesses such as dengue and malaria pose a serious public health risk and can lead to severe complications if not treated early. Dengue symptoms include high fever reaching up to 40°C (104°F), severe headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pain, nausea, vomiting, swollen glands, and rash. Early symptoms of malaria commonly include fever, headache, and chills. The hospital is encouraging members of the public to seek early testing at their nearest health facility if they experience symptoms, to allow for timely diagnosis and treatment. PMGH emphasised that prevention remains the most effective protection against infection. The public is advised to eliminate stagnant water around homes and workplaces, use mosquito nets—especially at night—apply mosquito repellent regularly, wear long-sleeved clothing where possible, ensure water containers are properly covered, and keep surroundings clean and free of rubbish. The hospital is also taking precautionary steps by procuring additional dengue and malaria testing kits for the emergency department and children’s emergency unit. PMGH Chief Executive Officer Dr Paki Molumi said the hospital remains prepared to manage and treat cases, with ongoing surveillance to closely monitor the situation. Health authorities continue to stress that community cooperation will be critical in reducing mosquito breeding and limiting the spread of the diseases.

A remote high school at Dusin in Kovon Local Level Government area of Middle-Ramu District on Tuesday, February 10, received a morale boosting financial assistance of K50,000 by the Provincial Member and Governor for Madang Province, Ramsey Pariwa, to build a new classroom to accommodate Flexible Open Distance Education or FODE.Dusin is situated in a far-flung corner up in the cool misty mountain ridge of the Bismark Range and shares the borders of Madang, Western Highlands, Enga and East Sepik provinces and has no road connectivity. The only access is by light aircraft mostly via Kagamuga Airport in Western Highlands due to the distance.Governor Pariwa travelled into Dusin accompanied by the Member for Middle-Ramu and Assistant Speaker of the National Parliament, Kansol Harwai Kamdaru, on short notice mainly due to unreliable communication reaching the area. However, the turn out of the people at Dusin airstrip to meet and greet the leaders were exceptional. Even the mid-morning showers did not dampen their excitement and eagerness to meet and greet the two national leaders of the province.Mr. Pariwa, who is no stranger to Dusin and Kovon LLG after his two previous visits last year and the year before, explained that he has already sent a student from Kovon LLG to India under the FODE program and wants to provide more opportunities for school leavers who are doing nothing in the remote Kovon LLG after completing their formal education to resort to FODE by upgrading their marks to continue their education.  Governor’s support to FODE is basically to improve human resource base of Madang so that the future educated elites can support him develop the province.“I encourage youths who have completed grade 8 or 10 and are staying in the villages in Kovon to enroll at FODE to continue your education," Governor Pariwa said. “You must not look down on yourself as failures. You still have the knowledge in you however it is our education system that cannot accommodate you, but I am now offering you the second chance in FODE to return to education,” he explained.Governor Pariwa presented the K50,000 cheque to a senior teacher at Dusin Primary School, Desmond Ramnep, in the presence of the Dusin Ward Three-member, Mike Philip. The presentation was done after a memorandum of agreement was signed by the parties present regarding on the usage of the public funds, a system devised by the Governor’s Office on accountability and transparency in public funds disbursement.MP Kamdaru praised Governor Pariwa for vigorously promoting FODE and his continued support and assistance to rural schools in Middle-Ramu and other districts in Madang province.The local MP challenged his people particularly the board and management of schools in the five rural LLGs in Middle-Ramu District namely, Arabaka, Simbai, Kovon, Josephstaal and Wanuma to utilize the funds he had already allocated to build classrooms and not waste time playing politics.Furthermore, he also revealed the name of a certain board member misusing school funds to contest the recent LLG election.An officer with the Teaching Services Commission (TSC), Kenneth Kalai, who accompanied Governor Pariwa and the Middle-Ramu MP to Dusin explained that Kovon LLG schools are classified under ‘disadvantaged’ and there were instances where teachers make it their excuse of not turning up for work but staying away in town and getting paid. “I am now telling you parents that upon noticing failures by teachers not turning up in school to report to me immediately so that person is automatically deleted from the payroll system,” Mr. Kalai explained.MP Kamdaru told the gathering that Kovon LLG has less population compared to Arabaka, Simbai, Josepstaal and Wanuna LLG, however, there are many primary schools mushrooming in the area which is a big concern to him particularly in the allocation of funds.Mr. Kalai acknowledged MP Kamdaru’s concern and would need further information to warrant him to de-activate these schools which are popping up unnecessarily.

The National Government is fully prepared to responding decisively should the country be placed on the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list.That was the assurance given by Prime Minister James Marape to the people of Papua New Guinea as time draws closer to the time of the grey listing to commence. Prime Minister Marape said grey listing was not new to Papua New Guinea and that the Government had already made significant progress in addressing outstanding compliance issues.“This is not the first time Papua New Guinea has faced grey listing. It happened before, and we successfully worked our way out of it,” the Prime Minister said. He confirmed that the Governor of the Bank of Papua New Guinea and a highly competent technical team are currently engaging with international counterparts, including participation in assessment discussions in Mexico. “From the briefings I have received, Papua New Guinea now has only about nine outstanding issues. This is far fewer than where we were in 2015, when the country was first grey-listed,” Prime Minister Marape said. The Prime Minister assured the country that, if Papua New Guinea is grey-listed, his government will work “nonstop” to ensure an early exit. “I want to give assurance to the country that if we do enter the grey list, we will work to get out of it at the very earliest opportunity — just as we did before. It could be within months, not years,” he said. Prime Minister Marape highlighted major institutional and legislative reforms implemented since 2015, which have significantly strengthened Papua New Guinea’s framework for combating money laundering and related financial crimes. “Before 2015, there was no Independent Commission Against Corruption. Today, we have ICAC in place. Today, those provisions are embedded in our laws and regulations,” he said. He added that Papua New Guinea now has stronger mechanisms to detect and address money laundering and to monitor potential terrorist financing risks. “Our country is not a target for international terrorism financing. However, we are targeted for money laundering, and that is where our focus is. We are tightening our systems and strengthening enforcement across the country,” the Prime Minister said. Prime Minister Marape said that engagement with FATF processes can also be constructive, as it provides clarity on areas that require improvement. “If there are weaknesses, it helps us identify them clearly. I am focused on growing the economy, but I do not want to grow an economy where the sinkholes remain wide open,” he said. He confirmed that he has already held high-level meetings with law enforcement agencies, the judiciary, and other key institutions to ensure a coordinated national response. “If grey listing points us to areas where we need to do better, then we fix them. We tighten the system, strengthen compliance, and come back stronger,” Prime Minister Marape said.

The Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League (PNGRFL) is urging all associate and affiliated leagues to complete their registration ahead of the February 27th, 2026, deadline.PNGRFL General Manager for Community Rugby League, Mark Mom, said both new and existing leagues interested in affiliating with the national body should contact their respective regional confederate points of contact as soon as possible. “We want to ensure all league registrations are completed by 27 February to allow sufficient time for compliance checks and player registrations,” Mr Mom said. “Each region has designated points of contact, and we strongly encourage non-affiliated leagues to reach out to our officers. Affiliating with PNGRFL not only enables leagues to formally join their regional confederates, but it also allows us to provide support through upskilling in league administration, coaching, refereeing, and other development programs.” To boost league participation and compliance, PNGRFL introduced an incentive kit program in 2025, which will continue into the 2026 season. Mr Mom said the initiative was aimed at helping leagues improve the standard and organisation of their competitions. “In 2025, we provided incentive kits to support leagues in running their competitions,” he said. “These kits included game-day equipment such as goal post pads and corner posts, footballs, loud hailers, and audio systems. We will continue this initiative in 2026, with kits to be distributed prior to the commencement of competitions.” Aroma Coast Rugby League Chairman Chris Enara, whose league was among those that received the incentive kits, welcomed the program. “I believe the incentive kits will greatly benefit the rural communities where Aroma Coast Rugby League operates, especially in village settings,” Mr Enara said. “They help create a professional game-day environment, shift mindsets, and give communities a real sense of the standards expected in rugby league.” NCD Schools Rugby League President Arnold Gende also praised the initiative, describing it as a significant boost for the schools competition. “This is the first time we have received this level of support,” Mr Gende said. “Compared to previous seasons, this year will be different. The incentive kits are a game-changer, particularly in improving the standard of officiating.” League affiliation registrations close on February 27, 2026, while player registrations close on May 1, 2026, for associate (schools) and affiliate (senior) competitions. The 2026 competition calendar is scheduled as follows: Associate Leagues: April 3 – July 28, 2026 Affiliate Leagues: May 1 – September 27, 2026 Club Championships: October 9 – 25, 2026 PNGRFL has encouraged leagues to meet all deadlines to ensure a smooth and well-coordinated 2026 rugby league season.

The Papua New Guinea Football Association (PNGFA) has announced the expansion of its PNG Futsal League to Lae city with the 2026 Futsal Super League season for both men and women set to kick off in April.The move follows the successful introduction of the national futsal competition last year, which crowned its inaugural champions and attracted strong interest from clubs and players across the country. PNGFA said the decision to extend the competition beyond Port Moresby marks a significant step in growing the sport and providing more structured, high-level opportunities for athletes nationwide. The inclusion of Lae as a host city is expected to widen participation and strengthen talent development pathways within Papua New Guinea’s football system. The association has now called on interested franchise clubs to formally register their participation in the 2026 season. Clubs are required to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) form along with a non-refundable fee of K3,000 by 5:00pm on Friday, February 27, 2026. The full affiliation fee of K5,600 and player registration payments must be completed by Tuesday, March 31, 2026. Player registration is set at K100 per player, with teams allowed a maximum squad of 14 players. The total payment per club amounts to K10,000. Matches for the upcoming season will be hosted in both Port Moresby and Lae, providing increased exposure and competitive opportunities for teams in both centres. All payments must be deposited directly into the PNGFA National Soccer League account at BSP Gordons Commercial branch, with proof of payment submitted to the PNGFA Competitions Department together with the completed EOI form. PNGFA officials say the 2026 Super League season is expected to deliver a fast-paced and professionally organized competition as futsal continues to grow rapidly across the country. Further information is available through the PNGFA Competitions Department.

In Jiwaka Province, an arrest over an unroadworthy and overloaded vehicle escalated into a violent confrontation that left a female police officer injured, after the suspect allegedly mobilized his tribesmen to attack a police patrol unit along the Okuk Highway.The incident began on Saturday, 7 February 2026, at around 4:30pm at Waghi Bruk and later at Rotbum in Minj, when a man was arrested by the Waghi Bruk Police Quick Response Force (QRF) for traffic-related offences. According to police, the suspect had been driving an unregistered, uninsured and unroadworthy vehicle loaded with coffee cherries and failed to stop at a police roadblock. JIWAKA Provincial Police Commander (PPC), Acting Superintendent Laimo Asi, confirmed the arrest and subsequent events in a media statement issued on Wednesday, 11 February 2026. “A man was arrested and charged for four counts of driving un-registered, uninsured, and unroadworthy motor vehicle,” PPC Asi said. He explained that the suspect drove through the police roadblock without stopping, despite police instructions. “When the suspect approached the roadblock, he drove through the roadblock without stopping his vehicle,” PPC Asi said. “He was chased and stopped a few meters away from the road and have him arrested at Waghi Bruk for driving unroadworthy vehicle.” The suspect was taken to Minj Police Station, where he was formally charged and later released on police bail. However, police allege that after his release, the situation took a dangerous turn. PPC Asi said the suspect “organised his tribesmen and set up a roadblock at Rotbum in Minj along the Okuk highway,” where they intercepted a police patrol unit. “He stopped a police patrol unit and smashed the vehicle and caused injury to a policewoman,” he said, confirming the attack occurred at around 4:30pm on the same day. Following the assault, the suspect reportedly went into hiding, prompting police to engage local leaders and issue ultimatums for the surrender of those involved. PPC Asi said an initial deadline was set for Sunday, 8 February 2026. “I have given ultimate time 4.06pm on Sunday 08th February 2026 for the suspects to surrender and the main instigator surrendered to the police whilst the rest went into hiding,” he said, adding that the main suspect is now in police custody with bail “non-negotiable.” Police have since escalated the matter, with PPC Asi confirming that the suspect will face serious criminal charges. “The suspect would be criminally charged for attempted murder, wilful damages and relevant charges under Antiterrorism Act as well,” he said. A second deadline was issued on Tuesday, 10 February 2026, resulting in further surrenders. According to police, six additional suspects surrendered on Tuesday afternoon, bringing the total number of suspects in custody to seven. Three suspects remain outstanding. “So far, we have seven suspects locked up and they will be criminally responsible for the attack on the police unit,” PPC Asi said. “There are three other suspects still outstanding and they must surrender immediately.” PPC Asi strongly condemned the attack on police officers, describing it as part of a troubling pattern in the province. “I will never tolerate such attitude of attack against my police officers in the province,” he said, adding that this was the sixth time police officers, including himself, had been attacked and “this would be the last.” Police investigations are ongoing, with authorities warning that further arrests are likely as they continue to pursue the remaining suspects linked to the attack on the police patrol and the injured policewoman.

The Somare Rapindik Matupit Association was recently launched at the Rapindik Monument site – the birthplace of Papua New Guinea’s Founding Father, the late Grand Chief Sir Michael Thomas Somare in East New Britain Province.Among those who witnessed the official launch was East New Britain’s Governor Michael Marum. According to Governor Marum the site holds deep national and historical significance, yet it had been neglected until a concerted initiative was taken to upgrade and rehabilitate it for public usage. “The launching of this Association today marks the beginning of proper management, structured operations, and sustainable use of this important national heritage site.” Governor Marum pointed out that since the completion of the Rapindik Hot Spring development last year, the site has seen a steady increase in both local and international visitors. He further explained that while the Somare Monument will remain open to the public at no cost as an information and educational hub, the Hot Spring area will generate revenue through controlled gate fees, which will help cover ongoing maintenance and operational expenses. In addition, Governor Marum mentioned that the launch of the IPA certificate and other legal documents now formally empowers the Association’s Executive Committee to seek funding and partnership opportunities from businesses, development partners, and government agencies. Acknowledging the Association's contributions, the Governor committed K20,000 in funding for 2026 to support the site’s operational and maintenance needs. He also recognized the formation of the Women’s Committee, led by Ms. Elizabeth Tami and treasurer Kalat Tiriman, noting that the launch coincided with the opening of the Committee’s bank account. To assist with the women’s operational business plan, Governor Marum provided seed funding of K5,000.

Byron Chan, the son of the late former Governor for the New Ireland province, Sir Julius Chan, has just been declared as member elect in the by election of the Provincial Seat.Mr. Chan was declared winner this afternoon in Kavieng in the New Ireland province by the Provincial Returning Officer Mr. Benjamin Kliawi. The son of the late governor received 21, 481 votes followed by the runner-up, Mr. Kepas Aruban Wali, with 15, 725 votes after the eighth (8th) exclusion. Byron Chan is no stranger to politics. He was first elected into parliament during the 2002 National General Election as the Member for Namatanai, and was twice re-elected before being defeated by Walter Schnaubelt at the 2017 election. Prior to his defeat, he served as Minister for Mining in the Peter O'Neill led government. The by election took place following the passing of the late Sir Julius last year.

Athletics PNG has officially released its official Calendar of events for 2026, with its domestic programme following a similar pattern to 2025 and several international events being specifically targeted to assist its national squad athletes as they prepare for the Commonwealth Games and next year’s Pacific Games.The major domestic events will be the Highlands Open in June, the NCD and Morobe Championships in September and the National Championships in Lae in December. Due to funding constraints, the team to the Oceania Championships in Darwin will be smaller than the one which attended the 2024 Championships in Fiji. President Tony Green said that since 2019 the Area Championships have been highly competitive, with many high-level Australian athletes seeking World Ranking points.  “This year we will priorities athletes that we are targeting for the Commonwealth Games and other athletes who began their preparations early and have shown that they can be competitive,” Green added. Selection for the Commonwealth Games will be based on performances in 2025, and the Justification Committee of the PNG Olympic Committee is expected to meet next month to consider nominations from the various sports. Trial competitions will be staged in Lae in March and April to gauge the progress of athletes preparing for international events this year. The country’s top middle- and long-distance runners have the Philippine Open to look forward to, as well as the Gold Coast half marathon or 10km race and the Australian cross-country championships in August. PNG has a minimum quota of one athlete for the World U20 championships which will be staged in Eugene Oregon in early August. However, the possibility exists for a mixed 4x100m relay if there are sufficient athletes performing at the required level.

Mrs. Rachael Marape, wife of Prime Minister James Marape, has called on international partners and business leaders to continue supporting the medical ship that delivers life-saving health services to some of Papua New Guinea’s most remote coastal and island communities.Speaking as Patron of YWAM Ships PNG, Mrs. Marape addressed more than 280 business leaders and international donors at a fundraising event on the Gold Coast, in Australia, where she highlighted the critical role the YWAM medical ship plays in complementing government health services across Milne Bay, Central, Gulf and Western provinces. Mrs. Marape told the gathering that while the Papua New Guinea Government is doing its utmost to improve health service delivery nationwide, the scale of need—particularly in hard-to-reach maritime regions—remains significant. “The Government is doing everything it can to strengthen health services for our people, but the challenges are vast, especially in remote coastal and island areas,” she said. “YWAM Ships has been doing its part to help ease the burden on the public health system, and for that we are deeply grateful.” Youth With a Mission (YWAM) is a global humanitarian organisation founded in 1960 and operating in more than 180 countries. In Papua New Guinea, YWAM Ships PNG has been providing critical medical, dental and surgical services for more than a decade, focusing on communities with limited or no access to hospitals and specialist care. Through its medical ship, the organisation delivers free primary health care, dental services, eye care and surgical procedures, while also supporting medical training, health education and capacity-building for local health workers. The programme works closely with the Papua New Guinea Government, provincial health authorities and international partners to reach isolated maritime populations. Staffed by volunteer doctors, nurses, dentists and medical specialists from around the world—working alongside Papua New Guinean health professionals—the medical ship has served thousands of patients over the past 10 years. “For many coastal and island communities, it represents their only access to specialist medical care.”

The Rabaul District Administration hosted its 17th public servant’s dedication service recently at the Ratung United in Balanataman Local Level Government (LLG) of Rabaul District in East New Britain province.With the theme, “Transformed and Uphold; Ignite the faith of our forefathers,” the dedication service aims to refocus and realign the approach of public servants. This dedication service reflected on the work of past hardworking public servants over the years who have contributed to the development of Rabaul district and encourage them to work together in improving service delivery and achieving the district’s goals and aspirations. Attending the dedication service were Rabaul district officers, its four LLGs of Rabaul Urban, Balanataman, Kombiu and Watom LLG with their Mayor and presidents including their supports staffs. Also in attendance, was senior officials from the provincial administration and the Rabaul MP Dr. Allan Marat, who was the guest speaker. Meanwhile, Reverend Sakius Tade who was the main celebrant, thanked the Rabaul District Administration for choosing Ratung United Church for the dedication service. When sharing the Word, Rev. Tade highlighted and shared more on the bible text Romans 12:1-2. “This bible text has an important and powerful message.” “As public servants we must present our bodies as living sacrifices; holy, acceptable to God which is our reasonable service.” “Do not conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, meaning let us change our mindset,” he reiterated. Dr. Marat also shared similar words of encouragement emphasizing on the bible text Jeremiah 1:5. “God has a plan for each and every one of us.” “Before we were formed in our mother’s womb and birthed, God knew us and sanctified or set us apart for his purpose.” Dr. Marat further urged public servants to not limit their ability to positively influence others and properly serve the people and their communities with honesty, commitment, and integrity. Public servants also renewed their Oath of Loyalty and Service to the State by reciting their oaths to remind officers of rightfully conducting themselves in office and improving service delivery. Meantime, the District Administrator Freddy Lemeki, in his closing remarks said if we want to see change, it must start with us. He stated that if all public servants uphold all their Public Service oath and adhere to the Public Service General Orders, work culture will improve and desired outcomes will be achieved for 2026.

Basken Village situated in ward none in the hinterlands of Sumgilbar LLG of Sumkar District of Madang Province became a fun-filled locality on Friday, 6th February 2026, when the Provincial Member and Governor for Madang, Ramsey Pariwa, visited the area for the finals of the Governor's Cup volleyball tournament.The Provincial Member and Governor for Madang when officiating the finals play offs told the young sports men and women who attended the tournament that the Governor's Cup is the perfect opportunity for them to expose their talents in sports."Most of you have hidden talents that you were born with when you mother brought you into this world," he said."But that talent needs exposure and the Governor's Cup is the perfect avenue for you to show that you have the potential to represent your village and your province through our provincial teams in all sporting codes," Pariwa said."We have raw talents in the rural areas, but successive governments have not considered empowering our young men and women in sports that's why there was no fair representation in all sporting codes and provincial teams," he said.Governor Pariwa added that it's about time the true sons and daughters of Madang must rise up and carry their provincial flag and represent their province through sports on the national level and even on the world stage."I've seen people from other provinces representing Madang in all sporting codes and I wonder when will the true sons and daughters of Madang fly our provincial flag," Pariwa said. "It's about time we rise up and show the true spirit of sportsmanship and show that yes we can and we will represent our province through sports," he said."This is the perfect opportunity for you to expose your talents. Not only here but also in all the 21 LLGs of this province where we have hosted the Governor's Cup," Pariwa said.Governor Pariwa said the main pillars of the Governor's Cup are, to address law and order, expose raw talents, practice healthy lifestyle and an avenue to scout for players to take part in the National Soccer League which Madang is in the process to field a team."I want to make it clear that your participation in this tournament is not because I want you to play, it's because it's an opportunity to change your mindset and progress through sports," Pariwa said."Use this as an opportunity to progress in life, change your mindset, avoid bad habits, practice healthy lifestyle and help in developing Madang province," he said."We have plans in place to establish provincial teams for sporting codes, and we've already started with soccer where we will send a team to participate in the NSL," Pariwa said."So, when you play, give your best because there are scouts going around to identify the best players who will be selected to be part of the squad," he said.Meanwhile, Madang Provincial Sports Coordinator, Mr. Panchito Amepou, assured the Sumgilbar LLG youths that there will be a separate soccer tournament for this year for the NSL selection."These are programs that are in place under the leadership of Governor Pariwa for the young men and women," he said."This is an opportunity for you to come take part in sports if you cannot make it through school. Sports is also a way for you to make it in life," Amepou said.Mr. Amepou thanked the participants from all over Sumgilbar LLG and the local community of Basken for a peaceful and well-organized games which ended on a high note.Mr. Ruben Tabel, the Executive Officer to the Member for Sumkar Hon. Alex Orme Suguman, thanked Governor Pariwa for investing in sports apart from other priority areas in Sumkar District adding that the office of the MP stands ready to assist in any way they can."We've seen alot lot of investment by our Governor in Sumkar District with the latest being the presentation of a cheque to Gaubin hospital when the Prime Minister, James Marape, visited last week," Tabel said."I know a lot of investment in projects are in the pipeline going forward and we look forward to work with our Governor to bring the much-needed services into our district," he said.Mr. Tabel presented K2,000 cash on behalf of the Sumkar MP to the match officials to cater for allowances for referees, officials and the local youths who provided security during the games.A total of 23 teams from both the men's and women's division from all over the Sumgilbar LLG have taken part in the weeklong Governor's Cup volleyball tournament at Basken which ended on Friday which Governor Pariwa personally presented the trophies and cash prizes for the fourth to first placings of both men's and women's divisions.