The Port Moresby General Hospital Labour Ward received 40 pieces of lifesaving obstetric equipment - The Midwifery Kit - courtesy of the United Nations Population Fund Country Office in Papua New Guinea as part of its mission to ensure every child delivery is safe and there are zero preventable maternal deaths in the country.  The Midwifery Kits contain 32 essential items including a stainless kidney basin, plastic draw sheet, infant scale, and thermometers that a midwife and other health workers use to provide a safe delivery and care of mother and baby during delivery and postpartum period . According to Country Representative Ms. Marielle Sander, UNFPA, as a close partner to the National Department of Health, puts the health of women and newborn babies first.   When Port Moresby General Hospital asked for help, UNFPA was able to respond immediately by donating these midwifery kits.  “Sexual and Reproductive health and safety of our mothers and daughters is neglected in the country, especially in the rural areas.   With this donation of sterile midwifery equipment, we can ensure a significant contribution towards lowering the risk of infections, which remains one of the major causes of complications amongst post-natal women and new born babies “ Ms. Sander said.  “UNFPA prioritizes the health of pregnant women and newborn babies especially during life -threatening complications during childbirth and with these kits, we hope to assist health facilities and midwives to make their job a little easier.”  UNFPA has 615 midwifery kits prepositioned and to be delivered to the 22 Provincial Health Authorities in the country.  The procurement of these items was done in partnership with the National Department of Health - through the directorate of family and population health.  A distribution list was developed based on how many newborn deliveries were done per year, determining the number of kits a health facility was to receive.   Accurate record keeping of births is critical to ensuring distribution of these kits where they are needed. Procurement and provision of the 615 Midwifery Kits costs USD$105,000 (PGK 370, 121), an approximate of PGK 602 for one kit.  In receiving these much needed Midwifery Kits, Sister Mary Sitaing, who manages the Port Moresby General maternity ward and who is also Acting President of PNG’s Midwifery Society, expressed her gratitude towards UNFPA for the donation.  “The POMGEN labour ward conducts approximately 12,000 deliveries per month, and as I speak we have run out of these essential items. With limited equipment and delivery packs, work becomes very difficult - especially when we have an influx of mothers coming to deliver at the same time,” Sr. Mary Sitaing said.  “Without adequate sterilized equipment, we have noted an increase in mother and newborn infections at the postnatal ward, especially this year and the last year, due to staff using one delivery tray between more than one mother causing cross infections.”  “This situation could have been prevented if there were enough lifesaving equipment including medical drugs and supplies available within the birthing facilities”, says Sr Mary.  “We thank UNFPA for this partnership in ensuring the quality care of mothers and newborn during labour and post delivery.”  About the Midwifery Kit  Most rural health facilities in the Country have limited basic and lifesaving equipment and at times the available equipment is malfunctioning.  The United Nations Population Fund recognizes the challenges faced by midwives in health facilities and has assisted the National Department of Health to procure Midwifery Kits. Each kit contains 32 essential items that are used in the Labour and Postnatal Wards.  UNFPA procured a total of 615 midwifery kits at a cost of PGK 370,121. The target was all 22 Provincial Health facilities.   This was done in collaboration with the National Department of Health - the Family and Population Health Directorate.  To date some of the kits have already been distributed to the targeted provinces with more ready for distribution.    

Rugby League sensation - BSP Brand Ambassador and retiring PNG Kumuls Captain David Mead while in Port Moresby visited the POM Racquets Club, its executives and a young team Squash players in their lead up preparation for the 2022 Squash and Tennis Open which will be from the 12th to 14th of August. “I’ve always had support at the community level. That has made me to push forward and realize my sporting dreams. It is inspiring to see BSP continue this partnership with POM Racquets Club. Such support enables athletes to excel and achieve positive outcomes at all levels in sport,” Mead said. “It is great to see the bank investing in sports development programs to upskill and develop talented athletes. With that being said, I am proud to be part of BSP and present K10, 000 towards the signage renewal and POMRC Squash & Tennis Open 2022,” Mead further added. BSP has invested in numerous sports development programs, including the PNG Swimming Inc, the junior Golf Development, the Rabaul School Rugby League Program and the biggest and award-winning program - the BSP School Kriket Program. POM Racquets Club President Tim Kriebisch in receiving the sponsorship thanked BSP for its continued support over the years. Participants of the Squash & Tennis Open 2022 were delighted to have the Kumuls captain over at the club and took the opportunity to play a short match with the Rugby league icon.

Deputy Police Commissioner and Chief of Operations Mr Anton Billie has commended NCD-based police personnel who provided security for the 2022 National General Elections in the highlands. He told the members before their return to the NCD today that they performed well despite the challenging situations and threats encountered in various parts of the highlands. The NCD members numbering 600 provided security for the polling teams over the last three weeks starting from the Hela Province on July 4. Mr Billie commended them for a job well done and wished them safe travel back to their families. Deputy Billie expressed his appreciation this morning in Mt Hagen following the completion of the final polling in Western Highlands and Simbu provinces yesterday, Tuesday July 19. The polling contingents composed of the National Capital District Metropolitan Command, Bomana Police College, National Police Headquarters and Police Band from the National Capital Districts and the Northern Command contingent were recalled into Mt Hagen to be extracted back to their respective commands starting today. Whilst commending the members he reminded them that the 2022 election operation is not over yet. “We are now transiting into the counting operations and I urge you all to return and assist with the counting operations in your respective commands,” Deputy Commissioner Billie said.

The donation to POMGen Hospital was in response to the hospital’s call for support from personal, business houses and corporate organisations to support vital needs for the children admitted to the pediatric ward. The request was timely, as it forms part of the bank’s interventions under its Core value of ‘Community’ to support people and local communities that the bank operates in.” Prior to the visit, each BSP Group Compliance team member pledged K50 which assisted for the purchase of items ranging from Diapers to toiletries, blankets and towels, dry goods and animated children’s bags packed with BSP merchandise in the hope to bring a smile on the sick children’s faces. The team then visited the Friends of POMGen Foundation with 50 bags of equally assorted items for each child in the ward, and an extra 5 bags consisting of personal items generously donated by staff members. This is not the first for the bank to support health initiatives in the country. BSP also supports health initiatives through its community projects, donations including Cancer Foundation, Operation Open Heart, and Kidney Foundations and through the annual Christmas hospital visits.

The SP PNG Hunters are delighted to announce an emotional homecoming to Papua New Guinea on the 10th of August, 2022, with their final three games of the 2022 QRL Hostplus Cup competition to be played at the National Football Stadium in Port Moresby. The Hunters’ return to PNG next month is made possible thanks to the Australian Government’s PacificAus Sports Program and Newcrest Mining Limited, owner of the Lihir gold project, who are co-funding the operation. “This is a great chance for all of us who support the SP PNG Hunters to see them live and cheer them on at home for the first time in a long time,” said Newcrest’s PNG Country Manager Stanley Komunt. “PNG loves rugby league and we’re thrilled to play a part in getting the Hunters back in front of their home crowd for their last three games.” “The Australian Government was pleased to support the Hunters to relocate to Australia in 2021. We are now equally excited to help bring them home, and wish them well in these final matches” said Australian Deputy High Commissioner Dr Joanne Loundes. The Hunters board and management led by CEO Scott Barker have worked tirelessly throughout a two-and-a-half year relocation period to bring the Hunters back to PNG for the first time since 2019. The club has always recognised the significance of playing at the National Football Stadium – the spiritual home of the Hunters – and in front of their valued supporters and sponsors. The club is also keenly aware of the connection between the Hunters and community in Papua New Guinea and is delighted to be bringing the playing squad and staff back home to their families, friends and fans.

The new Birthing Ward at ANGAU Memorial Provincial Hospital continues to improve its services for expectant mothers before and after birth to ensure they receive the best care possible. One year since the Birthing Ward opened, more than 11,700 babies have been born at the new facility. The new Birthing Ward consists of 10 private birthing suites, and eight observation beds. The Birthing Ward with specialized equipment is one component of the ANGAU Hospital Redevelopment project supported by the Australian Government in partnership with the PNG Government. Georgina Simon, a mother who recently gave birth to a healthy baby girl in the new Birthing Ward, was overjoyed describing the new birthing facility. She loved the convenience it provided new parents. “The new birthing facility is just awesome,” said Georgina. “It’s very clean, healthy, and has private rooms with its own bathing facility.” This is Georgina’s second birth. Her first birth (twins) was at the old Labour Ward which is now the Antenatal Ward. Georgina says she has seen a big difference now compared to the old Labour Ward in terms of bed spacing, privacy, and the patient care that she also received from the midwives. Georgina is happy with the improved services she received and thanks the Australian Government and the PNG Government for funding the new facilities. “Mi tok tenkiu long hausik management, ol donor na ol company buildem displa naispla nupla flashy labour ward,” (I want to thank the ANGAU Hospital Management, the donor and the contractors who build this new flashy birthing ward) said Georgina. The ANGAU Hospital Redevelopment project is not just constructing buildings and installing medical equipment, but also co-ordinating and delivering clinical training support including training for the midwives and the clinicians working at the new Birthing Ward, as well as other wards. For Sister Florence Nick, a midwife and Nurse Manager of the Birthing Ward, the new Birthing Ward, and the new equipment, together with the midwifery training provided her and other nurses with new knowledge and skills to perform their duties effectively and efficiently. “After going through the midwifery training facilitated by the World Health Organization Collaborating Centre at the University of Technology Sydney (WHO CCUTS) I have seen a big improvement,” said Sister Nick. Nurses and midwives are providing improved care and are more confident delivering babies during potentially risky scenarios when the doctors are not available. “Thanks to the new knowledge received from the training, certain complications are now being managed well by midwives,” said Sister Nick. The new Birthing Ward, the Special Care Nursery, a Children’s Outpatient Department and the Pathology Unit are part of the ANGAU Hospital Redevelopment. The ANGAU Hospital Redevelopment is Australia’s largest single infrastructure project in Papua New Guinea since independence, valued at over AUD200million (K500 million). It is a joint effort between the Papua New Guinea and Australian governments, driven by strong relationships with the National Department of Health and the Morobe Provincial Health Authority.

BSP Group CEO Robin Fleming in providing his insight in the BSP Pacific Economic and Market Insight Q2, 2022 Report said resumption of production at the Porgera Gold Mine operations later in the year would represent a significant injection into the PNG economy. He said as some of the key mining industries await the finalisation of negotiations, projections are looking positive with anticipation of some operations commencing as early as the first half of 2023. The outcome of the National General Elections and the policy priorities of the emerging government will determine the pace of these processes. “We expect that the re-opening of the Porgera Mine will be a key priority for the government that emerges from the 2022 National General Elections. Porgera and other resource investments are important as the post COVID economic activity has been led by government spending in infrastructure, and private investment is important to make the recovery sustainable in the long term,” he said. “PNG has benefited from high global prices for its major exports in 2022. Mining exports in particular have seen sustained price increases which positively impact PNG’s gross domestic product (GDP), and present much upside for economic activity and government revenue generation.” Mr. Fleming also said the recent positive announcements made on large resource projects present some upside in the medium term. “Apart from the reopening of the Porgera gold mine, Wafi-Golpu, Papua LNG and P’nyang LNG are still being progressed. The delivery of these large projects represent a significant injection into the PNG economy and will ultimately impact growth and government revenue. “Mining-adjacent sectors will also benefit from the uplift in activity with some spill over into retail, wholesale, and accommodation sectors,” the Group CEO added.

Highly decorated Brisbane Broncos outside back David Mead has called time on his 14-year rugby league career at the top level effective immediately. Mead played 171 NRL games for Broncos and Titans, scoring 75 tries since making his debut in 2009, as well as 58 Super League games for Catalans Dragons scoring 29 tries. The popular finisher also played 15 Tests for Papua New Guinea and scored 10 tries, as well as captaining his beloved country of birth at the 2017 World Cup. Mead said: “I’d like to say a big thank you to the Broncos, Titans, Catalans, NRL and Super league for giving me the opportunity to live out my dream since 2009. “This game has given and taught me a lot. I will always be grateful for my time playing footy. “Thank you to all my teammates, the coaching staff and the many people who have been involved with the game over the last 14 years  you have all played an important and valuable part in my development as a player and as a person. “Thank you to my family who have been with me since day one. A special mention to my wife - you have been a big reason why I was able to play as long as I did. “I look forward to experiencing the next chapter of our life together.” Broncos Coach Kevin Walters said: “Meady has been a great servant of rugby league both on and off the field and we have been lucky to have him here at the Broncos. “His longevity in the game is testament to his professionalism and his attention to detail in his training and preparation for games, plus he is one of the nicest blokes you will ever meet. “We wish David and his family all the best in the future and they will always be welcome here at the club.” Source: Broncos.com.au

Santos PNG Orchids head coach Ben Jeffries has named a 34-player train-on squad ahead of the team’s final selection trial in August for this year’s Rugby League World Cup (RLWC) campaign. The group features top performers from the recent PNG Women’s Tri-Series that took place in Port Moresby on 9th -10th July, as well Australian-based players who have been monitored by coaching staff throughout 2022 and have taken part in several elite pathway programs. The 34 women will gather in Port Moresby next month for an internal Santos PNG Orchids trial match, where final selections for the 23-player RLWC squad will be made. The train-on squad features several returning Orchids players from RLWC 2017 and the 2019 victory over England, as well as a host of potential debutants. Jeffries said: “I have been really impressed by the standard of talent we have available to us both in PNG and Australia. Although I was unable to attend the PNG Women’s Tri-Series due to unforeseen circumstances, I watched videos of all the matches and addressed the players several times during their camp. I am really excited to see our PNG and Australian-based talent come together in August’s trial match and begin the World Cup journey.” The 34-player train-on squad is as follows (alphabetical by first name): 1. ANGELENA WATEGO WYNNUM (QRLW) 2. ANIKA BUTLER KNIGHTS (Harvey Norman NSW Women’s Premiership) 3. BELINDA GWASAMUN HIGHLANDS CONFEDERATE (PNG) 4. BERTSHIBA AWOI SOUTHERN CONFEDERATE (PNG) 5. CAROL HUMEU SOUTHERN CONFEDERATE (PNG) 6. DELAILAH AHOSE HIGHLANDS CONFEDERATE (PNG) 7. ELIZABETH KAPA SOUTHERN CONFEDERATE (PNG) 8. EMILY VEIVERS TIGERS (QRLW 9. ESSAY BANU WYNNUM (QRLW) 10. GEMMA SCHNAUBELT SOUTHS (QRLW) 11. GLORIA KAUPA HIGHLANDS CONFEDERATE (PNG)  12. JANET JOHN SOUTHERN CONFEDERATE (PNG) 13. JANET MICHAEL SOUTHERN CONFEDERATE (PNG) 14. JESSICA CAREY TIGERS (QRLW) 15. JESSIKAH REEVES SOUTHS (QRLW) 16. JOANNE LAGONA SOUTHERN CONFEDERATE (PNG) 17. LAYNA NONA-BUSCH RABBITOHS (Western Australia) 18. LEILAH KEROWA SOUTHERN CONFEDERATE (PNG) 19. LYDIA LUKE NORTHERN CONFEERATE (PNG) 20. LILA MALABAG SOUTHERN CONFEDERATE (PNG) 21. LISA-MARIE ALU HIGHLANDS CONFEDERATE (PNG) 22. LYIANNAH ALLEEN HIGHLANDS CONFEDERATE (PNG) 23. MARTHA MOLOWIA SOUTHERN CONFEDERATE (PNG) 24. MELI JOE HIGHLANDS CONFEDERATE (PNG) 25. MICHELLE JOHN IKUPU NORTHERN CONFEDERATE (PNG)  26. REGILA WILFRED HIGHLANDS CONFEDERATE (PNG) 27. ROSWITA KAPO SOUTHERN CONFEDERATE (PNG) 28. SERA KOROI SOUTHS (QRLW) 29. SHELLIE LONG TIGERS (QRLW) 30. SHIRLEY JOE NORTHERN CONFEDERATE (PNG) 31. TALITHA KUNJIL HIGHLANDS CONFEDERATE (PNG) 32. THERESE AITON SOUTHS (Harvey Norman NSW Women’s Premiership) 33. UA RAVU BULLS (NSW Championship) 34.VERONICA WAULA SOUTHERN CONFEDERATE (PNG) Five players are unable to attend the trial match in August due to personal circumstances but remain in contention to make the final Santos PNG Orchids squad. They are: - ELSIE ALBERT: DRAGONS (NRLW) - TARA MOXON: LEEDS (UK Super League) - SAREKA MOOKA: NORTH QUEENSLAND (QRLW) - LA-TONIYA NORRIS: WYNNUM (QRLW) - SHAE-YVONNE DE LA CRUZ: SOUTHS (QRLW) Santos PNG Orchids Chairlady Okaro Yogi said, “I am excited with the selection because it is a good mix of debutants and returning Orchids players who came from the four confederates across PNG which includes our overseas based players.I would also like to thank those ladies who didn’t make this list that they are winners too.” “Last but not the least is our acknowledgement to our sponsors for their continuous support,” she said. Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League (PNGRFL) Chief Executive Officer Mr Stanley Hondina speaking on behalf of the PNGRFL Board and Management said that he would like to congratulate these girls for making the final list for the selection trial and wished them all the best. “I would like to extend our appreciation to the head coach and his coaching team for the efforts put in to get to this point. With the challenge of covid and others, you (Jeffries) managed to put together a team that’s appreciated,” Mr Hondina said. “The concept that was put in place has been fair and every PNG girl has been given an opportunity to be selected, and with this trial which includes the overseas girls, assists us not only to get a balanced team but also a quality one,” he further added. “We stand committed behind the team with all our partners in Santos, Digicel, National Gaming Control Board and PacificAus Sports to see this event through and wish the coaching staff the best in picking our PNG Orchids to attend the Prime Minister’s XIII challenge and the RLWC in October

The Central Queensland Capras have produced a blowout 62-24 win over the SP PNG Hunters at Bycroft Oval, Runaway Bay in Round 15 of the QRL Hostplus Cup. Just a week after beating the then third-ranked side in Wynnum Manly the Hunters couldn’t back it up against another top team over the weekend in the Capras, who ran in 11 tries to four in a dominant attacking display. Despite how the scoreboard read at fulltime, both teams started the game with a clear defensive mindset as they traded shots at the other’s line. The Capras would earn first crack, compressing the middle with some hard running settlers before some enterprising play from Jack Madden saw the halfback chip an attacking kick in behind the defensive line for teammate Brandon Roberts, only for the Capras winger to go into touch. The Hunters would reply in kind, marching upfield and setting up for a right edge shift of their own that looked like it would end in points until winger Solo Wane was herded towards the corner and lost the ball diving around the defence. Both teams seemed to be frontloading their defence to begin the game but as the clock wound down and fatigue entered the contest, the points started flowing. After both sides failed to capitalise on their first attacking chances, it was the Capras who would adjust quickest. They continued to work into attacking field position courtesy of a dominant forward pack and a good kicking game from both halves, and eventually the momentum began to swing in the visitor’s favour. The Capras scored on their left edge through Jonus Pearson in the 15th minute and then five eighth Radean Robinson backed him up three minutes later. The PNG side fought to halt the flood of points but as the Capras dominated in yardage the possession count was heavily in their favour and the Hunters were starved of the ball to concede four quick tries with halftime approaching.

Ialibu Pangia MP and People's National Congress Party Leader Peter O'Neill has been officially declared on absolutely majority votes, a total of 37,501 votes on Tuesday night. In his address to the crowd at his declaration, O’Neil said that we all have to put our differences aside and work together for our people. He added that by working together, we can deliver peaceful elections. He thanked Ialibu RO Ronald Rambu and Provincial Election Manager, Mr Jimmy Alwyn for their excellent work in delivering a transparent and fair election in the province.

A family from Babaguna village in Kikori, Gulf Province has thanked Santos for a medevac that may have saved their nine-year-old son. Self-employed couple Hibi and Cathy Hawa have four children including Jonah. Just like other kids his age, Jonah is fun and energetic and enjoys nothing more than playing with his friends and swimming in the river. Jonah was enrolled in the local elementary school and was always early for classes until one morning everything changed. “We heard him crying to us for help as he could not move his legs. I thought he was joking when he told us that he couldn’t stand up,” said dad Hibi as he recalls that morning in March. Jonah was immediately taken to Kikori hospital and to his family’s dismay, his health deteriorated very quickly. “The hospital then told us Jonah had a rare health condition known as Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS),” said Hibi. GBS severely affects muscles in the upper and lower limbs including breathing ability. [caption id="attachment_24048" align="alignnone" width="830"] Picture: Jonah and his family[/caption] “It was a very painful experience, watching our son fighting to live another day,” said mum Cathy. The family remained in the hospital until they were told that a medevac had been arranged for them to seek further medical attention for Jonah in Port Moresby. “We then found out later it was Santos who came to our rescue. Not only did they organise the medevac, but they also provided ongoing support to our son when we were at the hospital. They then gave Jonah a wheelchair after he was discharged from the Intensive Care Unit. “We could not give him the medical attention he needed. Santos made it easier for us. All accommodation and flight expenses were taken care of while we were in Port Moresby. Not everyone gets the kind of support that Jonah received, and we feel very blessed.” The family also extends their gratitude to health workers at the Kikori Hospital, the Port Moresby General Hospital and family members for the care and support. Jonah celebrated his 9th birthday while in hospital, but the family is excited now that he is in good spirits and ready to return home to Kikori. “There will be a few changes to our home to provide Jonah with easy accessibility, but we believe he will recover well,” says dad Hibi. For little Jonah, his education is far from over. “I have a wheelchair to get to school. All I need to do now is regaining the ability to hold a pencil and to write,” says Jonah. GBS is a disorder of the immune system where the nerves are attacked by immune cells that cause weakness and tingling sensation in arms and legs. There is no known cure and urgent medical assistance is usually recommended in severe cases. This year Santos has assisted with more than 30 medevacs and medical transferrals in its project impact communities in Southern Highlands, Hela and Gulf. Other recent medevacs have been done in the remote Bosavi region where health services are non-existent