Worldwide deaths related to Covid-19 surpassed 5 million on Friday, according to a Reuters tally, with unvaccinated people particularly exposed to the virulent Delta strain. The variant has exposed the wide disparities in vaccination rates between rich and poor nations, and the upshot of vaccine hesitancy in some western nations. More than half of all global deaths reported on a seven-day average were in the United States, Russia, Brazil, Mexico and India. While it took just over a year for the Covid-19 death toll to hit 2.5 million, the next 2.5 million deaths were recorded in just under eight months, according to a Reuters analysis. An average of 8000 deaths were reported daily across the world over the last week, or around five deaths every minute. However, the global death rate has been slowing in recent weeks. There has been increasing focus in recent days on getting vaccines to poorer nations, where many people are yet to receive a first dose, even as their richer counterparts have begun giving booster shots. More than half of the world has yet to receive at least one dose of a Covid-19 vaccine, according to Our World in Data. The World Health Organisation this week said its COVAX distribution programme would, for the first time, distribute shots only to countries with the lowest levels of coverage. Co-led by the WHO, COVAX has since January largely allocated doses proportionally among its 140-plus beneficiary states according to population size. "For the October supply we designed a different methodology, only covering participants with low sources of supply," Mariangela Simao, WHO assistant director general for access to vaccines, said in a recording of a conference presentation last week posted on the WHO's website. The United States, which has been battling vaccine misinformation that has caused about one-third of the population to avoid inoculations, surpassed 700,000 deaths on Friday, the highest toll of any country. [caption id="attachment_15536" align="aligncenter" width="965"] A US Army soldier prepares to vaccinate a person in Miami. Photo: 2021 Getty Images[/caption] US cases and hospitalisations have been trending lower, but health officials are bracing for a possible resurgence as cooler weather forces more activities indoors. Russia reported 887 coronavirus-related deaths on Friday, the largest single-day death toll it has recorded since the pandemic began and the fourth day in a row it has set that record. Only 33 percent of Russia's eligible population has received a first vaccine dose. As a region, South America has the highest death toll in the world accounting for 21 percent of all reported deaths, followed by North America and Eastern Europe contributing more than 14 percent of all fatalities each, according to Reuters analysis. However, India, one of the first countries ravaged by the Delta variant, has gone from an average of 4000 deaths a day to fewer than 300 as its vaccination campaign is rolled out. [caption id="attachment_15537" align="alignnone" width="976"] A health worker inoculates a woman with the jab of Covishield Covid-19 coronavirus vaccine at a temporary vaccination camp in Ahmedabad, India. Photo: AFP or licensors[/caption] About 47 percent of India's eligible population has received a first shot, with officials administering around 7,896,950 doses per day over the past week, a Reuters analysis of Our World in Data showed. The Delta variant is now the dominant strain around the globe and has been reported in 187 out of 194 World Health Organisation member countries. SOURCE: RNZ NEWS

One lucky student attending Goilanai Primary School in Alotau, Milne Bay Province will have a chance to be granted a scholarship from the Mrs Joel Memorial Scholarship. Mr James Joel, son of Mrs Joel and the main sponsor of the scholarship said that the idea of the scholarship came about because he wanted to honor his mother’s love for teaching children. “I set up this scholarship initiative to honour my mother’s love for teaching children.” “It also gives me closure after losing her and so I’ve decided to offer this scholarship as my way of remembering her,” said Mr James Joel. Late Mrs Niandriken Joel who was originally from Rambutso, Manus Province after marrying her husband who is from Suau, Milne Bay Province, taught at schools in other provinces before settling to teach at various schools in Milne Bay. Both Mrs Joel and her husband were teachers. Late Mrs Joel taught Grades 1– 4 classes at Goilanai Primary so the scholarship is targeted for children in those grades. James said that the scholarship is not only for school fee assistance but for anything else that the student might need to be at school and is worth K1,000. The student will be selected through the following criteria: • Currently enrolled at Goilanai Primary school • Great Attendance • All-round good grades in all subjects at school He added that the funding assistance is not for the parents but to help one child go to school. Applications for the scholarship is now open and will close on 1st November, 2021. All applications can be emailed to James Joel on: james@jjhvelectricalservices.com.

Oil Search is strongly committed to protecting the people of Papua New Guinea from the spread of COVID-19. After signing a Memorandum of Understanding with the Papua New Guinea National Control Centre (NCC) for COVID19, the company is now administering the COVID-19 vaccination to staff and community. “We are happy that we are able to be a major part of the solution by working collaboratively with our National Government and NCC, in proactively managing the growing severe risks of COVID-19 through vaccination,” said Leon Buskens, Oil Search Executive Vice President & Co-Head PNG. “Oil Search is always there in times of disaster such as the earthquake and droughts working with our leaders and communities. We are pleased to be able to again contribute with the COVID-19 disaster. COVID-19 is real and has and can further cripple social and economic living.” To date, all of Oil Search’s PNG field operations including its Moro site remain COVID-free. This has been a result of strict protocols, including quarantine, twice weekly testing and wastewater testing. Oil Search has conducted more than 54,000 COVID-19 tests at its medical clinics and quarantine facilities, distributed 450,000 items of personal protective equipment to health workers, and administered more than 1300 doses of the AstraZeneca and J&J vaccines. More than 1150 Oil Search staff and contractors in PNG have now received their COVID-19 vaccination. In addition, the Company continues to assist the PNG Government COVID-19 response through dedicated PNG industry task force with supply chain and logistics as requested. Api Kassman, the head of the COVID-19 Vaccination Ministerial Task Force said that the Government is now directly engaging with companies that have registered medical staff so they can administer vaccines. “Companies such as Oil Search have medical staff who are able to administer vaccinations and so they are expanding vaccine coverage to workers, their families and community members. We appreciate these companies that are playing an important role in helping our people to vaccine. “For other private sector businesses who are looking to have their workforce fully vaccinated, we also have mobile vaccine units that can visit the offices and workshops. After the first phase of the vaccine rollout, it has become very clear that we must have more mobile units to take vaccines to our people.” Mr Kassman called on businesses around the country to register their interests in receiving vaccines through the National Call Centre. “The number to call is 1-800-200. You just need to call and leave your details and you will be contacted to arrange an appointment." "The range of vaccines available has also expanded with the Johnson & Johnson vaccine which is made by the same company that makes the baby powder and shampoo." “Johnson & Johnson is also a single-dose vaccine, and this means people only need one shot to be fully vaccinated." Everyone is strongly encouraged to be vaccinated to protect individuals, families and communities from this deadly virus,” Mr Kassman said.

The COVID-19 virus, potentially the delta variant, is spreading quickly through Eastern Highlands Province. PNGIMR Director, Prof William Pomat, has instituted measures to scale down operations, as staff test positive to the virus. Only essential staff will come to the office every day; other staff will work from home or come in on staggered hours. Staff members who test positive or have a positive household member must remain at their house. IMR will test all staff without symptoms once a week. If a staff member develops COVID-19 like symptoms, they must stay home and contact an IMR clinician who will go to their home to test and provide care. These measures are in addition to existing rules about wearing facemasks and social distancing at the office. Only vaccinated staff are allowed to conduct research activities in clinics and communities. Prof Pomat says, ‘The delta variant is extremely infectious. Even if you had COVID-19 before or have been vaccinated, you may be infected again." "PNGIMR performs an important role in the national and provincial COVID-19 responses." "I have instituted these measures to keep our staff and their families safe, so we can continue to do our work. I urge all unvaccinated IMR staff and members of the public to get vaccinated to avoid severe illness."

The Internal Revenue Commission (IRC) Commissioner General - Mr Sam Koim OBE, is pleased to announce the development of a new online client platform – myIRC. Currently under development by NiuPay Limited (NiuPay), the platform will offer a suite of IRC taxation services online. It will enable individuals and organisations, for the first time, to lodge returns, pay their taxes, as well as other interactions previously only able to be performed at an IRC office. “We are constantly looking for ways to improve our service and operate in a more efficient and cost-effective manner. The myIRC platform will not only extend the front desk of the tax authority into homes and offices across PNG, but also offer improved efficiencies and enhanced data-security throughout the organisation.” – Sam Koim. The platform will streamline taxpayer dealings with IRC and will, in turn, result in increased data protection, improved departmental efficiencies, taxation account reconciliation and an improved standard of customer support. NiuPay currently plans to have the platform switched on in late 2021. They will then bring additional services online throughout 2022 and onwards. “myIRC stands as a major leap forward for the IRC through online service delivery and I’m looking forward to sharing more information in the coming months” - Sam Koim. This new development is consistent with the IRC’s vision of building the foundations of a modern and robust tax administration and strategically in line with the IRC’s digital transformation agenda. IRC and NiuPay will announce in the coming months these new developments as we strive to work towards delivering services that rise above and beyond the public’s expectations.

National Capital District Governor, Powes Parkop has commended PNG Prime Minister, James Marape for raising the West Papua issue in the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) last Friday while respecting the sovereignty of Indonesia. Governor Parkop, a strong advocate for the rights of the people of West Papua, said it was a milestone despite PM Marape raising it in a very diplomatic and subtle way. PM Marape told world leaders at the UNGA: “Whilst commending the UN on the peace efforts in Papua New Guinea, I would also like to recall the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ decision in 2019 and the outstanding visit by the UN Human Rights mechanism to address the alleged human rights concerns in our neighbourhood. “This visit is important to ensure that the greater peoples of the region have peace within their respective sovereignties and their rights and cultural dignities are fully maintained.” Governor Parkop said what PM Marape had done was a milestone in that no past PNG leader had raised the West Papua issue at the UNGA. “What PM Marape has done, in a very subtle and diplomatic manner, was to raise the issue of West Papua while respecting the sovereignty of Indonesia,” he said. Governor Parkop also called Pacific Island Forum and the United Nations Human Rights Commission to keep applying the pressure on Indonesia to allow the United Nations special rapporteur on human rights to visit West Papua to verify the many allegations of human rights abuses. Governor Parkop also called on the Melanesian Spearhead Group to initiate a process to enable meaningful dialogue between the West Papuan Leadership and Indonesia Government to address the demand and aspirations of the people of West Papua to self determination and independence. “This is the fundamental issue that must be addressed sincerely and adequately. As long as this pertinent issue is not openly discussed and resolved there will always be crisis and instability in West Papua,” he said.

The Board, Management, Staff of Cricket PNG and members of the Kumul Petroleum PNG National Cricket Teams, the Barramundi’s, Lewa’s and the Under 19’s express our deepest condolences and sympathies to the family of the late Kune Amini, former national captain, who passed away suddenly in Port Moresby on Wednesday September 29, 2021. The Amini family has represented Papua New Guinea with distinction, on and off the field, playing vital roles on the field, and in leadership, with an Amini captaining a Cricket PNG team becoming somewhat of a formality. The Late Brian Amini, father-in-law of late Kune, Charles Amini Snr. husband of the late Kune, Chris Amini eldest son, Colin Amini second born, and Charles Amini Jnr. their youngest child all have held leadership roles in Cricket PNG national teams. The late Kune, didn’t just sit on the sidelines in support, she was the first ever captain of the PNG National Women’s Team, the Lewas from 2006 – 2009. Leading them in their first ever international Cricket match, defeating Japan in Port Moresby, to qualify for the 2008 ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier in South Africa Kune was an outstanding batter and in most matches led the Lewas batting. One of her teammates, Lucy Ovia recalls “Kune was a good friend both on and off the field from our indoor cricket days. Kune was a pioneer of our game for women, we played on different teams in the first outdoor competition for women, she played for Coasters and was an outstanding player/partner when taking the crease. She was a good friend, a sister, a cricketer, a teammate and a great captain that I will miss dearly.” Locally, the late Kune was captain of the Coasters Women’s Team who won several premierships in Port Moresby. For the opposition, taking her wicket was always a prized target. Off the playing field the late Kune and husband Charles Snr. would always follow their son’s Chris, Colin, and Charles Jnr., scoring, umpiring or just being present to give moral and family support. We will miss her. EMAU and BAMAHUTA CHAMPION!!!

Experienced nurse and midwife Joyce Sap was recently among nine midwives to graduate from a midwifery training course at Port Moresby General Hospital. The course was led by Jane Menke, one of Australia’s Clinical Support Program (CSP) team members based in Port Moresby General Hospital to share skills and knowledge with PNG healthcare workers. The Clinical Support Program (CSP) is an Australian Government initiative that aims to enhance the quality of care at ANGAU Memorial Hospital in Lae, Port Moresby General Hospital and the University of Papua New Guinea. The CSP is based on a strong demand-driven approach to ensure that the program delivers support in the areas in which the hospitals themselves have identified a need. The three focus areas in this inaugural deployment (June to September 2021) were emergency medicine, infectious diseases (including infection control and prevention) and maternity services. Joyce, who has worked as a midwife in the National Capital District and Central Province for more than ten years, said she found the training course very enriching. “This vital training is very helpful and has greatly added value to our work.” “It has given us a new perspective and helped us to take pride in our work as midwives. We truly appreciate Australian people such as Jane helping us.” Jane is no stranger to Papua New Guinea. She has worked here before and has a great deal of appreciation for the hard work of midwives here. “Throughout the course, I was reminded of the enormous challenges my PNG midwifery sisters have to face every day, and how strong and resilient PNG midwives are to work in these conditions.” Throughout the course, Jane and Joyce developed a close bond. Joyce described Jane as “a very professional midwife who is a lovely trainer and mentor, who really demonstrated her passion for women centred-care throughout the course.” “She has delivered the training with a pure heart to serve.” Jane said she has been inspired by Joyce and the other midwives.” “Joyce is intelligent, well-educated and committed to providing safe and respectful maternity care, - despite all the setbacks encountered in her daily work. She is working towards a leadership role so that she can really make a difference to reducing the high maternal mortality rate in PNG.” Jane wishes to continue her friendship with Joyce and to support more PNG midwives in future. “Now that our relationship is established, I hope to continue to support Joyce and other young, committed midwives throughout this beautiful country of PNG.” Joyce will miss Jane but promised to put the skills she learned in the course into practice. “No matter the pressure we experience in our daily work, women-centred care is essential care, especially for pregnant women. It all starts with me, as a midwife.”

The COVID-19 Mobile Vaccination sites in NCD have started to attract a huge number of people as of this week following a surge in Delta Variant cases in the country. Stop and Shop Waigani Central is one of the designated sites that St John Ambulance staff have set up a booth to vaccinate the public for free. People started lining up as early as 8am to receive the vaccine and by 10am, the line was already blocking off the entrance of the supermarket. A female from the Enga province(named) who was also standing in line waiting her turn said she's afraid of the new Variant which has claimed so many lives in neighbouring Pacific countries such as Fiji. "I am afraid of Delta Variant and after reading about people dying in other countries and lately PNG is also seeing deaths related to COVID-19, I have decided to get vaccinated to protect myself," she said. Meanwhile St John John Ambulance CEO Matt Cannon said St John Ambulance is proud to be supporting the NCDPHA and NCC in its vaccine rollout efforts. "Vaccines are the way forward to getting back to normal life, without lockdowns and reducing pressure on our hospitals". "To do this, we need all people to get on board." St John is offering free COVID19 vaccines at Waigani Stop n Shop on Thursday 30 September, Friday 01 October and Saturday 02 October. They are administering the AstraZeneca vaccines and the Janssen vaccine as well.

PPC Central Superintendent John Midi said a barrage of public complaints levelled against the police in Central remain unadjudicated because the complainants failed to conform to the procedures of reporting such cases. He said people must provide, statements of facts, medical certificates for injuries sustained (if any)and photographic evidence, and persistently follow up on their complaints until police personnel who are found to have acted injudiciously are charged and reprimanded through the disciplinary process. He said once such complaints are registered, criminal charges can be laid as well depending on the nature of the reported cases. PPC Midi said alot of people especially PMV operators and commuters along the Hiritano and Magi highway have raised complaints of police extortion and abuses but some of these cases remain unattended, because the complainants have not complied with the reporting procedures "We hear them but how can we deal with the perpetrators when the victims are not collaborating with the internal investigators. "The internal investigators need collaborative evidence to prepare charges for members who are stepping out of line," PPC Midi said. He said many people are probably scared of reprisals. "They should not fear anyone, because we have a strong and robust leadership at the Command level. "If you get threatened, report it as well, and we will deal with the perpetrator." Superintendent Midi said. "The RPNGC management despises corrupt behaviour and will do all it can to protect and preserve the integrity of the hard working policemen and policewomen in front line policing." PPC Midi said. He said all complaints of police abuses in Central must be referred to the Office of the PPC located at the Gordon barracks bowser in NCD.

Port Moresby, Digicel CellMoni continues to increase its footprint across Papua New Guinea bringing Mobile Financial Services, convenience and security to businesses and individuals a like. This week CellMoni formed its latest partnership with PNG jungle.com.pg; an Online Marketplace for Papua New Guinea (PNG) which facilitates online buying and selling of products for persons in PNG and around the world. Jungle aims to be a convenient, safe and trusted way to buy products online using a variety of payment methods with Kina Bank, BSP Pay and now Digicel CellMoni. It is a straight forward user-friendly platform where purchases can be picked up from the vendors store or delivered to customers in all provinces of PNG. Co-Founder of Jungle, Demetri Allayialis says ‘Ecommerce can help in alleviating poverty, improving economies of developing countries. With Jungle we also want to bring a fun and easy way to shop for a growing range of products and for these products to reach families in remote communities with our door to door service.’ He also believes that ‘mobile money has a pivotal part to play in PNG, where infrastructure connectivity limits people from reaching financial institutions. Now telecommunications (in large part due to Digicel) penetrates the remotest parts of PNG from Teleformin in Western Province to Pomio in East New Britain. The digital evolution from cash to online banking and now mobile money ‘CellMoni’ can allow a wider range of people to make and receive payment of goods.’ Jungle Online Marketplace is rapidly growing with vendors including Brian Bell Homewares, Maku Gifts (LavaGirl), RH Hypermarket, Star Office Works, Farmset, Agmark Gurias, Kenny’s Collection and more. Jungle delivers to every province in PNG. Digicel’s Senior Vice President and Chief Sales Officer, Lorna McPherson, says, “improving customer experience has always been in Digicel’s DNA, so the partnership we are announcing today with Jungle Online Marketplace is aligned with Digicel’s agenda for PNG’s digital transformation. The world is  changing and during this period of the COVID 19 pandemic, moving to more digital payment system will reduce and minimize person’s health risks while improving the quality of services, efficiency and reducing cost.” Digital transformation in PNG is already in our everyday life; CellMoni customers can already pay their EasiPay and water bill, send and receive money real-time, purchase their Digicel TV plan, buy Digicel plans, pay their Loans and contribute to their Savings every day from the comfort of their houses. In addition to all of that, CellMoni Customers can now, pay for their online shopping with Jungle using CellMoni. We again convey our gratitude to the Bank of Papua New Guinea for all its’ efforts to increase digital payments and financial inclusion and for supporting Digicel to be one of the main drivers of this change in PNG. As we say in Digicel, we are better together. To find out how to pay with CellMoni go to https://www.jungle.com.pg/cellmoni-paymentinformation

Air Niugini wishes to advise customers that the Philippines Government has now removed the restriction on carriage of passengers originating in PNG to the Philippines with immediate effect from today, Friday 01st October. PX010/PX011 flights between Port Moresby and Manila are now operating as per normal schedule. Air Niugini’s Boeing 737 flies to Manila twice weekly, on Fridays and Sundays. In addition to Manila, Air Niugini currently flies to Singapore (4 flights weekly), Hong Kong (2 weekly), Brisbane (6 weekly) and Sydney (1 weekly).