The Port Moresby General Hospital (PMGH) has taken a significant step forward in improving maternal care with the purchase of 101 new beds, which consists of 25 electric delivery beds and 76 standard hospital beds. This investment was made possible through CPL and marks a notable advancement in the hospital's efforts to provide quality care for mothers and newborns. The beds were officially issued to PMGH on July 31st and have since been installed by the hospital's biomedical (Biomed) team. Nurse Unit Manager for Labour Ward, Sr Mary Sitaing, said that 13 of the electrical delivery beds are currently in use. The remaining will be installed soon, while the 76 ordinary hospital beds will be distributed to the different sections of the hospital accordingly. The introduction of these electrical delivery beds is a significant upgrade as this is the first time for such beds to be used in PMGH's labour ward. These beds are rechargeable with a handheld control and can be adjusted to provide optimal comfort and support during labour and delivery. Other features include height adjustment, attached IV pole, removable waste bin, and many more. Sr. Sitaing mentioned that the labour ward had been using wooden beds for the past 3 years. The installation of these new beds marks one of the many milestones in achieving PMGH's ongoing journey to enhance quality patient care.

The Department of Education recently hosted the Provincial Education Advisors (PEA) Consultation Conference, a pivotal event in the lead up to the Regional Public Consultations for the Papua New Guinea Education Transformation Vision 2075 (PNGETV 2075). These consultations will be held around the country from the 17th of September to the 1st of October 2024. The workshop brought together 22 PEAs to discuss and refine the strategic roadmap for transforming education in PNG for the next 50 years. The PNGETV 2075 is a comprehensive 50-year plan aimed at overhauling and reconstructing the general education system to ensure that by 2075, PNG will have qualified, educated and smart population. This vision aligns with the National Goals and Directive Principles of the National Constitution, PNG Vision 2050, and the Medium-Term Development Plan IV (MTDP IV), focusing on quality education and skilled human capital. The key objectives of the workshop was to engage stakeholders and partners by facilitating meaningful discussions among the PEAs, educators, policymakers, and other stakeholders to gather insights and feedback on the PNGETV 2075. The workshop also provided a platform for strategic planning where they reviewed and refined the strategic initiatives outlined in the PNGETV 2075 document to address prevailing challenges and leverage opportunities for educational reform. The one-day workshop was also aimed at preparing the PEAs for the upcoming regional public consultations in September, ensuring a cohesive and inclusive approach to gathering public input. Speaking ahead of the start of the workshop, the Secretary for Education, Dr. Uke Kombra said, “The Provincial Education Advisors Consultation Workshop is a crucial step in our journey towards transforming education in Papua New Guinea. By bringing together diverse perspectives and expertise from our people in the provinces and regions, we are laying the foundation for a more inclusive, equitable, and high-quality education system that will benefit future generations.” The PNGETV 2075 is committed to cultivating a dynamic and inclusive educational ecosystem that reflects the aspirations and needs of all Papua New Guineans. The PNGETV 2075 regional public consultations are a vital step towards realizing this vision and ensuring that the education system evolves to meet the challenges and opportunities of the 21st Century.

Team PNG’s Taekwondo team of two athletes arrived safely yesterday afternoon Wednesday, 14th August, at the Jacksons International Airport after representing the country at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Both athletes, Gibson Mara and Kevin Kassman debuted in their divisions with Gibson being the first Papua New Guinean to win a round in his division. Kevin Kassman said representing the country at an Olympic level was nothing he had ever experienced before and meeting some of the top athletes from other countries and being amongst them was a very good experience and exposer for him. “It was like nothing I’ve ever experienced before, and I had fun and most of the time spent there was just fun. Getting to know athletes from other countries and just being around them.” Kassman said that being up on that big stage and seeing a big crowd watching him made him nervous but knowing that his fellow countrymen and family were backing him, gave him the courage to stand and represent his country with pride. Meanwhile, Gibson Mara expressed amazement at the high-level of standards at the Olympics and said that with their hard work and preparations put in to get them ready for the Olympics, really paid off. “One challenge too that I faced was knowing that everyone is watching us and that they put their trust that we can make it. And yeah, we did our best and we fell short and that’s maybe with our experience, but we made it.” Upon their arrival, both athletes expressed how grateful and thankful they are for all the support to represent the country at the Olympics and encouraged the upcoming young athletes to keep pushing and striving and to never give up on training. “For up-coming athletes, keep pushing, keep striving. Nothing is impossible, use the negatives and turn them into positives. Cause that’s what you need. They are like steps for you. It took us 2 years and now look at us, its mind blowing,” said Kassman. Mara also expressed similar sentiments. “They must not wait for the competition to come and then start training after a week. Always keep their heads high and keep training hard.”

People in the Milne Bay province travelling to and from Esa’ala Island and back to the mainland don’t need to worry about sea piracy with a recent signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the Esa’ala District Development Authority (EDDA) and the Rural Airstrip Agency (RAA) of PNG Limited for the provision of rural airstrip services in the district. The MOA was signed in Port Moresby on Wednesday, August 7, 2024, and shall be in force and effect for a period of five (5) years from the commencement date. The MOA was signed by the Acting District Administrator for Esa’ala District, Mr. Sale Nop, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Rural Airstrip Agency of PNG Limited (RAA), Mrs. Kim Opiti and witnessed by the Chairman of the EDDA and Member for Esa’ala, Jimmy Maladina and RAA Legal Officer, Ms. Bernadette Cherake. Mr. Maladina said it is important to partner with the RAA to re-construct and re-open the Salamo and Sehulea airstrips so that the flying doctors and people have access to these vital airline facilities and service. EDDA will provide an initial funding of K135,000.00 for RAA to conduct the airstrip survey, design, and scope of works. Additional funding and support will also be provided by the EDDA for the subsequent airstrip works which includes restoration and maintenance upon invoices by RAA and the presentation of survey reports and scope of works of the airstrips. “We look forward to re-opening this important mode of transport for the people of Esa’ala District because of the remoteness of the islands from the mainland Milne Bay and Alotau town,” Mr. Maladina said. “As the Member for Esa’ala District, I see this as a vital initiative that supports our strategies and vision to boost agriculture, access to health services (faster way to Alotau General Hospital), education and tourism development in the Esa’ala District.” “RAA looks forward to working with Esa’ala District in rehabilitating its prioritized airstrips." “Such partnership and collaborative approaches are important in achieving our shared goals and ensuring our people living in the rural communities have equal opportunities to essential government services and economic opportunities,” the CEO of RAA said.

Transparency International Papua New Guinea (TIPNG) marked International Youth Day with the relaunch of the Youth Against Corruption Association (YACA) at Jubilee Secondary School in Port Moresby. The YACA is a youth-led organization that nurtures values of honesty, integrity and good citizenship in young people. Founded in 2002 by Fr John Glynn, YACA provides a platform for young people to voice their concerns, develop leadership skills, and become positive influences in their communities. “"We are enthusiastic about the relaunch of YACA and the opportunity to cultivate a new generation of youth leaders dedicated to combating corruption,” said Arianne Kassman, CEO of TIPNG. “YACA focuses more on change within oneself, starting off with the right mindset and embodies the core principles of honesty, integrity, and good citizenship, which are fundamental to the establishment of less corrupt and prosperous nation.” “The YACA envisions a Papua New Guinea where young people are empowered to challenge corruption and drive positive change.” The organization will focus on building the capacity of young people to become anti-corruption advocates, while also promoting awareness and education on the detrimental effects of corruption. Schools and young people are encouraged to join YACA and start a group in their schools. In the coming months, TIPNG will be inviting schools in the country to generate interest in YACA and facilitate its activities. Schools can contact TIPNG on how to get involved.

The Kina Bank staff from the Department of Banking Operations recently visited the Port Moresby General Hospital’s Cancer Ward and donated toys, beddings, water bottles, and merchandise items to children at the Cancer Ward. The team visited the children and their parents and guardians in July as part of the bank’s Corporate Social Responsibility initiative. Hahui Fairi, Kina Bank’s Senior Manager for Banking Operations explained they chose the Children’s Cancer Ward after learning it was the least visited ward in the hospital. “We were informed by hospital staff that the Children’s Cancer Ward rarely receives visitors because most of the children are referrals from outside the National Capital District and have no family in Port Moresby.” “The joy on the faces of the patients and their parents was priceless.” “Their excitement was the highlight of our visit.” When the staff visited the ward, there were 11 children along with their parents. Sister Lucy Haoda, the Nurse-In-Charge, thanked Kina Bank for the donation. “These children undergo numerous treatments; some have been at the ward staying here for nearly two years.” “We do not have visitors often, so when we do, it means the world to them.” “We strive to make the ward a cheerful place, and your visit truly made everyone’s day.”

The Government is committed to the welfare of public servants, through the introduction of the National Health & Life Insurance Policy. Department of Personnel Management Secretary Taies Sansan calls on all public sector agencies to take ownership of the National Health & Life Insurance Policy and implement it for the benefit of all public servants in the country. Secretary Sansan stated this when welcoming all government agencies during the consultation session on the Draft Nuicare Bill 2024 held on Friday 9th of August at the APEC Haus. Ms. Sansan said, DPM is committed to the welfare of the public service workforce and acknowledged the critical importance of introducing appropriate and relevant policy initiatives that address the needs of public servants. “The policy is focused on the wellbeing of public servants that will add value to the lives of their family members.” Secretary Sansan stressed that the policy initiative stands out as another significant milestone for the Public Service under the Marape-Rosso Government. This policy is amongst other relevant policy initiatives that the department has introduced such as the 30-year long term plan for the Public Service in the Human Resource Development Strategic Plan 2020-2050, the SILAG Public Sector Training Policy, Public Service Housing Initiatives and the Performance Management System. These initiatives are all aimed at enhancing the performance of public servants and improving the public service delivery mechanism. Ms. Sansan said, the essence of establishing this policy is to ensure that the welfare of our public servants and their families is covered in the event of sickness, accidents and deaths. “I am deeply grateful for this policy as it is the first of its kind in the public service.” “Its operations and benefits will provide financial security for public servants and the state.” “This policy is fully mooted by the state and public servants must take pride in embracing the ownership of this policy for their long-term benefit.” “I encourage my fellow Heads of Agencies to commit to implementing this policy with dedication.” Secretary Sansan thanked and acknowledged all the hardworking staff of the Department of Personnel Management, the Central Agencies Coordinating Committee, the Office of the State Solicitors, Department of Treasury & Finance, PNG Investment and Promotion Authority, Public Employees Association, Salaries and Renumeration, Commission Secretariat, Nambawan Super Ltd and all other agencies that contributed one way or another to the consultation process and formulation of this policy. The consultations were aimed at gauging views from across the public service on the National Health & Life Insurance Bill. The National Health and Life Insurance Policy was approved following a National Executive Council decision (NEC) N0: 178/2022 on the 4th of May 2022, which represented a pivotal moment in the public service history that will ensure that public servants have ownership of a policy designed to benefit them in the long term.

The U.S. Ambassador Ann Marie Yastishock visited Enga Province in her first ever trip to the Highlands of Papua New Guinea. This trip is not just a first for Ambassador Yastishock, but the first time a U.S. Ambassador has ever visited the province. First, she visited the site of the Mulitaka landslide to pay her respects to the victims and those affected by the disaster. While there, she spoke with local officials about aid efforts and met representatives from the International Organization for Migration, who serve as the implementing partners for USAID assistance. The Ambassador expressed her condolences and expressed the importance of USAID support. In the Provincial Capital, Wabag, Ambassador Yastishock joined the Governor of Enga, Grand Chief, Sir Peter Ipatas to celebrate Enga culture and to highlight more than 70 years of partnership between the Enga and American people. At the Take Anda Museum, Governor Ipatas and Provincial Administrator Sandis Tsaka highlighted Enga’s history, ceremonies, and rituals as described by local oral historians, in partnership with an American anthropologist. The Ambassador then celebrated those rich cultural traditions and ceremonies at the 30th annual Enga Cultural Show in Wabag. “I was absolutely captivated by the vibrant dances, intricate artwork, and music that brings together, and the life and stories of your people and your ancestors,” said Ambassador Yastishock after the show. “By understanding and appreciating each other’s cultures, we not only enrich our experiences, but also strengthen the ties that bind us.” Highlighting the long partnership between American and Enga educators, Ambassador Yastishock visited the Innovative University of Enga (IUE) campus at Irelya, where she met with teachers and students to learn about how they are educating the next generation of teachers. Teachers often travel from across PNG to attend IUE. She then visited Highland Lutheran International School, established by American missionaries in the 1950s, and now operated entirely by Papua New Guineans. Ambassador Yastishock greatly appreciates the warm welcome she received from the people she met across Enga Province and the significant investments made by Governor Ipatas in the future of Enga. She looks forward to working with Governor Ipatas and the people of Enga Province to strengthen ties between Enga and the American people.

The National Government has pledged continued financial support for students or recipients of the government’s Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) curriculum scholarship program. Prime Minister James Marape said this when fare welling 76 students from the country’s Schools of Excellence who received STEM scholarships to study at selected universities in the United States. The farewell event took place on Sunday night (11/08/24) at the Hilton Hotel in Port Moresby. PM Marape said Papua New Guinea needs a highly qualified and educated populace and a workforce as the world is becoming revolutionized with innovations in science and technology, engineering, and fields related to mathematics. PM Marape said the STEM scholarship initiative will create space for other Grade 12 school leavers in the country as the National Government embarks on sending top performing students in these fields overseas for further studies. The Schools of Excellence was initiated by PM Marape when he was the Minister for Education in 2009 as spaces in tertiary institutions and colleges were less than 6,000 when over 10,000 students were graduating and leaving school every year. PM Marape encouraged the 76 STEM scholarship recipients to do their best in their studies and be good ambassadors of PNG. “The first batch of 43 students who went to certain universities in the US have done well in their first semester examinations with some receiving the President’s awards, this is good news for our country’s education system and the STEM scholarship program. “This second batch to the US, we are looking forward to the same success.” “We will stay with you every step of the way and continue to support you.” “The government will increase the support via the annual national budget.” “I encourage you all as your Prime Minister to abstain from drugs, going out to parties but study hard. I appeal to you all not to smoke and consume alcohol but to focus on your education.” “This is a golden opportunity, and it comes once in a person’s lifetime, so I encourage you all to embrace it.” “I also want to encourage the Education department to continue with this program. I encourage you to never leave your God," said Prime Minister Marape. The PM advised the recipients that they carry the hopes and aspirations of PNG and their tribesmen and women. “I want you to complete your studies well and either find employment opportunities back in the States and/or come back with an open mind as Papua New Guineans.” “Our first 43 students in the US did well and have set a benchmark for us all already. We encourage you to follow their footsteps and do better.” The National Department of Education’s Measurement Services Unit (MSU) does the selection based on individual student’s performance and their final national examination results. They are selected from all the national schools of excellence offering STEM courses. Thus, the chances of bias are eliminated. Secretary for Education Dr Uke Kombra, when speaking at the farewell, said the scholarship program takes students from right across the country purely on merit and not from well to do and or rich parents. He said that as long as the child has the talent, the department sends them with the aim to "make anybody somebody". Meanwhile, Education Secretary Dr Kombra thanked the Marape-Rosso Government for supporting and funding the STEM Program, adding that the program is second to none. “Prime Minister Marape, let me on behalf of the Education Department and the scholarship recipients, teachers, guardians, and parents say that your funding for TESAS is over K600 million and your commitment is well honored. Let me, on behalf of all in Education, say thank you.” “The National Government funding covers airfares, accommodation, course fees and living allowances to the recipient’s worth over K20 million," said Secretary Kombra. The Education Department says in the first batch, 30 students went to India, 43 to the US, and this time now 76, with another 50 being processed for studies in China soon. Prime Minister Marape, on a very positive note, said Australia also has the STEM curriculum at its schools in Australia. “That is a plus, and for the first time ever for any other foreign developed country to copy the curriculum developed by Papua New Guinea for its school is great news.” PM Marape said, that shows that the PNG STEM curriculum is top class and at a very high international standard and benchmark.

A newborn’s life was saved three months ago through the dedicated efforts of the medical team at the Port Moresby General Hospital’s (PMGH) Special Care Nursery (SCN), highlighting the critical role of timely intervention and teamwork in healthcare. Around 8am on April 13th, the neonatal medical team including Dr. Liu Yin, a neonatologist and member of the 13th Chinese Medical Team, commenced their daily rounds at the special care nursery. During this time, they noticed a newborn who had been transferred to the special care nursery due to respiratory distress shortly after being born at 38 weeks. Despite prompt administration of oxygen via the face mask, the baby still had shortness of breath and grunting. Baby was also cyanosed and poorly responsive. After a quick assessment, the team made the decision that the newborn baby was in a very critical condition with respiratory failure and needed intubation and respiratory support. Upon further examination of the chest, a clinical diagnosis of congenital diaphragmatic hernia was made based on the presence of bowel sounds in the left chest wall and displaced heart sounds to the right sternal border. The team immediately prepared all the equipment, intubated the newborn and commenced on the ventilator providing respiratory support (invasive). The baby’s condition began to stabilize, with improved skin color and responsiveness. A subsequent chest X-ray confirmed that the baby had a diaphragmatic hernia, a condition that required surgery and breathing support after the operation to ensure survival. Following the diagnosis, the SCN team led by Dr Gamini Vali and Dr Liu immediately coordinated with the Paediatric surgical and anaesthetic team to formulate a comprehensive treatment plan. The surgery was successfully performed the next day, and the baby was returned to the ward for ongoing respiratory support. The pediatric team monitored the baby’s progress and on the fifth postoperative day, a chest X-ray showed satisfactory re-expansion of the left lung. By the eighth postoperative day, the newborn was switched to non-invasive respiratory support allowing the mother to see her baby for the first time. On the 11th postoperative day, the baby was taken off the ventilator and switched to intermittent oxygen via nasal cannula. Two weeks after the surgery, the baby’s wound had fully healed. By the twenty-first postoperative day, the baby was healthy enough to be reunited with the mother. Coordinator of the Paediatrics Department, Dr Gwenda Anga described this as an example of collaboration across medical teams and the use of new technology in improving neonatal outcomes. “We are appreciative of the expertise of the local neonatal, paediatric surgical team led by Dr Jack Mulu and Dr Beena Dagam and paediatric anaesthesia led by Dr Keno Temo together with the support of Dr Liu and the 13th Chinese Medical team,” she stated.

The PNG Fashion Week has announced that the Paradise Runway will now take place at the iconic APEC Haus on 15th September, 2024. With its highly successful previous shows, Ms Philma Kelegai, PNG Fashion Week Managing Director, anticipates the change in venue will be inspirational. “The APEC Haus is a magnificent symbol of the Future of Culture and we cannot wait to be in awe of what we will see at the Ascension,” she said. The Paradise Runway is PNG Fashion Week's signature event and PNG’s national fashion event and is hosted every year during the independence weekend. Fashion designers and cultural creatives from around the nation and abroad are asked to imagine and explore the theme for 2024, Ascension, through their collections. This year, these collections will be exhibited and celebrated at the magnificent Apec Haus. Designers who have participated previously included Anna Amos, Tabu, Elizabeth Omeri, Natasha Tamanabe to name a few and each year, the talent keeps getting better and better. Ascension is scheduled for Sunday 15 September, 2024 during the independence weekend and will feature 13 local designers and two international designers. Tickets will be on sale by the end of the week.

The Member for Abau (MP) Sir Puka Temu has welcomed the news of a new hospital for Mt Hagen, Western Highlands Province (WHP), but reminded Health Minister Dr. Lino Tom of the outstanding government commitment to build Central Province’s hospital. Sir Puka stated that Dr. Lino’s announcement to build a new hospital for WHP is timely and much needed since it serves the entire Highlands region and is the second busiest hospital in terms of activity. However, Sir Puka urged Dr. Lino to update the country on Central province’s promised hospital, which has been outstanding since 2021 when Prime Minister James Marape officiated the groundbreaking ceremony. "Central Province and its people rely solely on Port Moresby and Gerehu General Hospitals for referrals and treatment.” “PMGH cannot cope with the load, and it needs Central, Gulf and Gerehu hospitals to be functioning to allow it to focus on its level 7 role.” “Now that Wabag has been delivered, I believe it’s time to serve the people of Central and their need for their own hospital.” Sir Puka further added that all provinces have fully fledged provincial hospitals except Gulf, Central and NCD. “I appreciate the work Dr. Lino is doing to deliver greater health services for our country, but I urge him to provide political will required to enact this much needed project for Central.”