PNG Haus Bung

NEWCREST MINING DONATES TO SAVE ENDANGERED TREE KANGAROOS

Newcrest Mining recently announced its support for Port Moresby Nature Park, by funding the construction of a much-needed rescue and breeding facility at the Nature Park, which will enable the conservation of endangered tree kangaroos The three year partnership comes after the Newcrest learned of the valuable work the Nature Park does in the rescue, rehabilitation and breeding of tree kangaroos and the Park’s recent challenges to expand conservation work during COVID-19. Newcrest’s Chief Operating Officer in PNG, Mr Craig Jones said, ‘PNG has such an extraordinarily diverse range of flora and fauna, and Newcrest is pleased to be able to contribute to the conservation and protection of the tree kangaroo species through the funding of this new facility’. PNG is home to 12 of the 14 tree kangaroo species found on the island of New Guinea and Australia. Most tree kangaroos are vulnerable to extinction due to hunting and habitat destruction. As a result there are a number of PNG species now classified as endangered or critically endangered, with fears of extinction in the decades to come. Port Moresby Nature Park’s CEO, Ms Michelle McGeorge said, “We are so grateful to Newcrest for their commitment to partner with us to save tree kangaroos. The Nature Park is committed to PNG’s wildlife and as our organisation has grown so too has our important work in wildlife rescue, research and conservation.” The support from Newcrest will enable the Nature Park to construct a new K400,000 tree kangaroo rescue and breeding centre that will house up to 18 individuals, in addition to the 13 tree kangaroos that already call the Nature Park home. The Nature Park currently houses three different species of tree kangaroos including the endangered Matchies, Goodfellows and the vulnerable Doria’s Tree Kangaroo. The new tree kangaroo rescue centre would enable the Nature Park to house other species in future. “This is a vital step towards the Park being able to contribute to the research of tree-kangaroos whilst housing surrendered animals in a purpose built facility. It will also enable the Park to work towards a breeding for release program, which will contribute to the numbers of tree kangaroos in the wild,” Ms McGeorge added. The Port Moresby Nature Park is dedicated to inspiring in others the guardianship of PNG’s unique natural environment and culture. As a charity organization that relies on grants and donor funding to operate, your visit to the park and joining its Annual Membership Program, helps support the Park’s efforts in preserving PNG’s unique natural environment for future generations, including the Park’s 550 resident animals, majority of which have been surrendered to the Park for care.

Published on April 12, 2021

https://pnghausbung.com/png-nri-farewells-long-serving-researcher/

Published on April 12, 2021

PNG NRI FAREWELLS LONG-SERVING RESEARCHER

The Papua New Guinea National Research Institute (PNG NRI) in a small but moving gathering farewelled a longserving researcher and an advocate against gender-based violence (GBV) in PNG on Tuesday 6 April 2021. Joining the Institute in 1998 as a Project Officer and later worked her way up to become a Senior Research Fellow and Program Leader, Dr. Fiona Hukula left after 23 years of dedicated service to the think tank. During her time with the Institute, Dr. Hukula was employed as: Project Officer, Research Officer; Senior Research Officer; Research Fellow; Senior Research Fellow; and, Program Leader for the Building Safer Communities Research Program and Co-Program Leader for Gender in PNG Research Program. She has also been involved with other government organisations in the area of law and justice, a notable one is her role as a member and Deputy Chairperson of the Constitutional and Law Reform Commission. “On behalf of the Council, Management and staff, I offer our sincere acknowledgement and thank you for your invaluable contributions to the Institute and the nation,” PNG NRI Acting Director, Dr. Osborne Sanida said. Described as a role model and ambassador, Dr. Hukula was praised for her leadership and mentoring roles as well as her contributions to women’s rights, GBV, sorcery-related violence, and not the least, domestic violence policies and laws. Deputy Director for Corporate Services, Dr. Esther Lavu hailed Dr. Hukula’s contribution to PNG in the fight against GBV and protection of vulnerable people in communities. “She has done a lot for our women and in taking the lead in the fight against abuse at all levels. Especially, working with partner agencies in pushing the agenda to become policies. Now these policies are in use in many organizations. A very rare achievement.” Dr. Lavu encouraged her to continue to drive the agenda right across the Pacific region as she moves on to her new job. While thanking the Institute and everyone, Dr. Hukula extended her gratitude to those who she worked with and learnt from in her earlier years, especially Dr. Thomas Webster, Dr. Joe Ketan and Richard Sikani. “I am so lucky I have been mentored by men all the way. It was a real pleasure working with you all,” she said. Other senior researchers she had worked under or with are: Late Dr. Ray Anere, Dr. Alphonse Gelu, Late Dr. Henry Okole and, not the least, Colonel James Laki. The event was attended by a sample of staff from the different sections of the Institute. Caption: Dr. Fiona Hukula (fourth from right) posing with the directors and staff representatives of the PNG National Research Institute (PNG NRI) after her farewell gathering.

Published on April 12, 2021

https://pnghausbung.com/air-niugini-will-airlift-covid-vaccines-free-of-charge-throughout-png/

Published on April 12, 2021

AIR NIUGINI WILL AIRLIFT COVID VACCINES FREE OF CHARGE THROUGHOUT PNG

Air Niugini stands ready to help the National Government roll out its COVID-19 vaccination program by uplifting vaccines free of charge out of Port Moresby to all provincial centres within PNG. The airline’s flight PX 393 arriving from Singapore tomorrow, Tuesday 13th April will be carrying an additional 123,000 doses of COVID vaccines. Air Niugini has proudly and consistently provided critical air services both domestically throughout all of PNG, and internationally, throughout the last 12 months of the Covid Pandemic. These Air Niugini services have provided critical airbridges for the transport of medical supplies, swab tests, Personal Protective Equipment(PPEs), medical professionals as well as cargo and passengers that allow all of PNG to continue to operate. Air Niugini’s General Manager, Commercial Services Dominic Kaumu said “Air Niugini will be helping the National government to ensure these vaccines are airlifted free of charge and reach as many centres as soon as possible” Mr Kaumu confirmed that as PNG’s National Airline, Air Niugini will continue to support PNG in this fight against COVID-19. Air Niugini also continues to minimize any risk to staff by ensuring our staff are provided with and are wearing appropriate PPE (especially items such as face masks in close proximity/contained environment situations), personal hand sanitizer, and in most situations are able to socially distance. The same is true of our valued passengers with hand sanitizer continuing to be provided and all passengers still required to wear a mask when travelling.

Published on April 12, 2021

https://pnghausbung.com/1-new-covid-19-death-on-sunday-april-11-total-deaths-at-69/

Published on April 12, 2021

1 NEW COVID-19 DEATH ON SUNDAY APRIL 11 - TOTAL DEATHS AT 69

One new COVID-19 death was reported in the last 24 hours ending 12 midday on Sunday April 11, increasing the total number of COVID-19 related deaths to 69. This was reported in the Jiwaka province, increasing the province’s death toll to two. This was a 60-year-old male who was detected in Jiwaka and died in the Western Highlands province on Sunday. A total of 192 new cases were recorded on Sunday, increasing the total number of cases in the country to 8,602. The surveillance team is constantly reviewing and revising case numbers. As such, numbers may be amended from time to time to ensure accuracy. Globally, the total confirmed cases of COVID-19 is 135,994,39 including 747,219 new cases reported in the last 24 hours. The global death toll is 2,939,078 of which 11,312 were reported in the last 24 hours. In PNG on Sunday April 11, 12 provinces recorded new COVID-19 cases including the National Capital District, Western Highlands Province, Western Province, Morobe, West New Britain Province, Central, Jiwaka, Southern Highlands, Simbu, Madang, Hela, and Eastern Highlands. Their statistics are as follows: National Capital District New cases: 42. Sex: 32 males, 10 females. Age range: 9-58 years. Symptomatic: 10. Asymptomatic: 31. Deaths: 52. Total cases: 3,516. Western Highlands Province New cases: 76. Sex: 42 males, 32 females, 2 not stated. Age range: 4 and 67. Symptomatic: 61. Asymptomatic: 15. Deaths: 2. Total cases: 312. Western Province New cases: 23. Sex: 22 males, 1 female. Age range: 7 - 58. Symptomatic: Nil. Asymptomatic: 23. Deaths: 2. Total cases: 2,244. Morobe Province New cases: 22. Sex: 13 males, 9 females. Age range: 6 - 61. Symptomatic: 20. Asymptomatic: 2. Deaths: 3. Total cases: 401. West New Britain Province New cases: 14. Sex: 14 males. Age range: 17 - 58. Symptomatic: 8. Asymptomatic: 6. Deaths: 2. Total cases: 237. Central Province New cases: 4. Sex: 1 male, 3 females. Age range: 25 - 46. Symptomatic: Nil. Asymptomatic: 4. Deaths: Nil. Total cases: 105. Jiwaka Province New cases: 4. Sex: 1 male, 3 females. Age range: 7-64. Symptomatic: 4. Asymptomatic: Nil. Deaths: 2. Total cases: 52. Southern Highlands New cases: 3. Sex: 1 male, 2 females. Age range: 18-48. Symptomatic: 2. Asymptomatic: 1. Deaths: Nil. Total cases: 69. Simbu New cases: 1. Sex: 1 male. Age: 48. Symptomatic: Yes. Asymptomatic: Nil. Deaths: 2. Total cases: 108. Madang New cases: 1. Sex: 1 male. Age: 38. Symptomatic: Yes. Asymptomatic: Nil. Deaths: Nil. Total cases: 87. Hela Province New cases: 1. Sex: 1 male. Age: 47. Symptomatic: Nil. Asymptomatic: Yes. Deaths: Nil. Total cases: 26. Eastern Highlands Province New cases: 1. Sex: 1 male. Age: 29 Symptomatic: Nil. Asymptomatic: Yes. Deaths: Nil. Total cases: 374. The other ten provinces in PNG that have reported cases include the following: Autonomous Region of Bougainville Deaths: Nil. Total cases: 127. East Sepik Deaths: 2. Total cases: 84. Enga Province Deaths: 1. Total cases: 68. West Sepik Province Deaths: 3. Total cases: 356. East New Britain Province Deaths: Nil. Total cases: 317. Milne Bay Province Deaths: Nil. Total cases: 14. New Ireland Deaths: 2. Total cases: 89. Gulf Deaths: Nil. Total cases: 13. Northern Deaths: Nil. Total cases: 3. Meanwhile, Police Commissioner and Controller of the PNG COVID-19 National Pandemic Response said the National Control Centre (NCC) is aware that there is a huge interest from the public about the number of active COVID-19 cases and the number of people who had COVID-19 and recovered. He said active and recovered cases are not currently reported by the NCC because these data are not available at the national level. Each Provincial Health Authority (PHA) is responsible for monitoring and reporting data on cases identified in their respective province. “In order to determine if an individual diagnosed with COVID-19 is still considered an ‘active’ case or ‘recovered’, their clinical status and the time that has passed since they tested positive for COVID-19 needs to be monitored and reported to the NCC daily,” Mr Manning said. The length of time a case is considered to be ‘active’ (that is, infectious and capable of transmitting the virus) and the length of time a case needs to be isolated, varies from person to person. Asymptomatic cases that never develop symptoms are considered active for ten days from the date their positive swabs were taken. Symptomatic cases are considered active for ten days after the date of onset of their symptoms, and they must be symptom free for at least three consecutive days prior to release from isolation. Manning said a recovered case is someone who has completed their isolation period and is deemed to have clinically recovered from COVID-19. A positive case does not need to be re-tested (using either RT-PCR or GeneXpert) after completing their isolation period. People may shed virus for over three months after acquiring COVID-19, but are no longer considered infectious after completing their isolation period, as explained. Thus, re-testing after the isolation period is not recommended. The Controller further said that in order to track active and recovered cases in PNG it is necessary for each PHA to monitor all positive cases in their province for the periods of time mentioned above and regularly share the information about the clinical status of their isolated cases with the NCC.

Published on April 12, 2021

BREAKING NEWS: 1 NEW COVID-19 DEATH BRINGS DEATH TOLL TO 69

This just in! 1 new COVID-19 death has been reported in the last 24 hours increasing the total number of COVID-19 related deaths to 69. This was a 60-year-old male who was detected in Jiwaka and died in the Western Highlands province on Sunday. Also, 192 cases were also reported in the last 24hrs bringing the countries total to 8, 634. The cases were reported in 12 provinces. 42 in NCD, 76 in WHP, 23 in WP, 22 in Morobe, 14 in WNB, 4 in Central, 4 in Jiwaka, 3 in SHP, 1 in Simbu, 1 in Madang, 1 in Hela, and 1 in EHP. Continue to practice COVID-19 safety protocols and keep listening to the news on this station follow our news website: pnghausbung.com

Published on April 12, 2021

https://pnghausbung.com/pm-marape-visits-kikori-district-to-launch-several-impact-projects/

Published on April 12, 2021

PM MARAPE VISITS KIKORI DISTRICT TO LAUNCH SEVERAL IMPACT PROJECTS

Prime Minister Hon. James Marape MP has arrived at Ihu Station in Kikori District of Gulf Province to launch several impact projects including the Ihu Special Economic (ISEZ) . Prime Minister Marape landed in a Tropic Air Twin-Otter plane this morning accompanied by Kikori MP and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Hon. Soroi Eoe; Minister for Works Hon. Michael Nali with his Department Secretary David Wereh; Transport Minister Hon. William Samb; Central Governor Hon. Robert Agarobe; Gulf Governor Hon. Chris Haiveta and officials of the ISEZ. Thousands of people arrived to welcome Prime Minister Marape and his delegation at the Ihu Airstrip, which has been cleared and opened for use and is planned for rehabilitation. Local police based in Kerema, Ihu, Kikori and Baimuru accorded Prime Minister Marape a guard-of-honor. The projects which Prime Minister Marape will launch are the ISEZ, Kikori-Ihu-Kerema Road Project, Ihu Airstrip Rehabilitation Project and a local SME graduation and funding. Prime Minister Marape's Pangu Pati-Government is focused on SMEs, promotion of agricultural and business activities and creation of markets. Later in the day, Prime Minister Marape will visit the Gulf capital, Kerema, and visit some projects and talk to the people before retiring for the day.

Published on April 12, 2021

https://pnghausbung.com/australia-boosts-assistance-for-papua-new-guineas-covid-19-response/

Published on April 12, 2021

AUSTRALIA BOOSTS ASSISTANCE FOR PAPUA NEW GUINEA’S COVID-19 RESPONSE

Australia is boosting its assistance to Papua New Guinea with the deployment of a second, larger team of health and medical specialists to respond to the recent surge in COVID-19 cases. The 20 member Australian Medical Assistance Team (AUSMAT) will provide expert support to Papua New Guinea’s National Control Centre for COVID-19 to help establish safe and effective systems to support the management of severe and critical cases. The team will operate primarily from Port Moresby General Hospital. The team includes clinical specialists that will address Papua New Guinea’s most pressing health workforce shortages and system gaps, in response to a request from the Government of Papua New Guinea and recommendations made by an initial AUSMAT team, which deployed on 23 March. COVID-19 case numbers in Papua New Guinea have doubled since February 2021, reaching 7,634 cases and 68 known deaths as at 7 April. The team will be in Papua New Guinea for up to four weeks, working together with local health authorities, including to: assist Port Moresby General Hospital to establish a hospital emergency operations centre; strengthen capacity to support COVID-19 patients in critical care establish a separate respiratory triage and initial treatment area provide coordination support to the National Control Centre for COVID19, the National Department of Health, and the World Health Organization (WHO); and provide specialist advice to Papua New Guinean authorities on how the Government can best respond to the current upsurge of COVID-19 transmission in both central and provincial areas The AUSMAT team has been vaccinated in advance of their travel to Port Moresby and will be able to start work as soon as they arrive. The team is travelling to Port Moresby on a Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) aircraft that is also transporting additional medical supplies and infrastructure to support the response. Supplies that are being delivered on this flight include: large tents, tables, chairs and stretchers refrigerators, eskies and coolers to store vaccines at an appropriate temperature medical devices such as aspirators, defibrillators and vital signs monitors; and further medical equipment for St John Ambulance PNG. Since 13 March, five RAAF flights and one commercial flight have delivered 8,480 AstraZeneca vaccines and supplies to support the roll out, including syringes 200,000+ masks 100,000+ surgical gowns 175,000+ pairs of gloves 20,000+ pairs of goggles 3,000 GeneXpert testing cartridges 600 face shields 1,200 bottles of hand sanitiser five large community tents for triaging patients three mobile storage units to safely store supplies one ambulance vehicle for St John Ambulance PNG We will continue to work closely with the Government of Papua New Guinea during this challenging time. Australia’s support will help save lives and support our closest Pacific neighbour’s health system respond to the COVID-19 crisis.

Published on April 12, 2021