X-Ray and Pathology units are important components of health service delivery. They enable healthcare providers to diagnose, monitor, and treat medical conditions. Having experienced health professionals to deliver care and treatment is equally important. The Koroba District Hospital in the Hela Province now has a containerised X-ray and Pathology Unit and for the first time ever, has a doctor at this District Hospital. After the 2018 earthquake, and during a joint visit to inspect earthquake damage across the province, Member for Koroba, the Hon Petrus Thomas, Hela Provincial Health Authority (HPHA) Chair Peter Botten and Oil Search Foundation (OSF) Executive Director Stephanie Copus-Campbell, along with the previous Australian High Commissioner, Bruce Davis, visited Koroba Hospital and committed to work together to improve it. Excited about the initiative, HPHA CEO, Dr James Kintwa said, “Working together with our partners, we have all been able to deliver on our promises. The establishment of this containerised X-Ray and Pathology unit is a big boost for the hospital and the community. Together we undertook repairs to the water supply, renovated the maternity ward, and repaired other buildings at the hospital.  We will be able to diagnose and treat people very quickly now with these new services available in Koroba.” “We are also excited to have the first ever Doctor located in Koroba to serve the community. Dr Regina Nagiria is a very experienced medical practitioner and having someone like her here in a rural area is vital for everyone. It is especially important for our mothers and the safe delivery of babies, the prevention and early treatment of childhood illnesses, and addressing communicable illnesses like TB, HIV and malaria,” added Dr Kintwa. Koroba Hospital’s success today is an outcome of very strong partnerships. A community leader from Koroba, Yawas Komiapu said, “I am grateful on behalf of the people of Koroba-Kopiago District to see the fruition of good partnership. This important infrastructure will greatly benefit us, especially our mothers and girls who can access services close to home.” During the recent opening of these facilities, The Australian High Commissioner to PNG His Excellency Mr Jon Philip said he was happy to be a development partner in PNG under the Wok Bung Wantaim strategy and thanked the Oil Search Foundation, Oil Search Limited and other partners for their contribution to delivering great results The Hon. Petrus Thomas on behalf of the people of Koroba-Kopiago District, thanked the High Commissioner for supporting the redevelopment and for being there at the launch of the X-Ray & Pathology Lab.  He asked that his gratitude and appreciation be extended to the people of Australia. He congratulated the Hela PHA CEO Dr Kintwa for recognising and supporting women’s leadership in the Province with Koroba District Hospital having two women now leading health services for the District- Rebecca Murama and Dr Regina Nagiria. OSF Executive Director, Stephanie Copus-Campbell said, “We have been a partner with the HPHA and the Hela Provincial Government for many years.  Together with Oil Search Limited, we have a deep commitment to supporting PNG and Hela Provincial Government to achieve development outcomes. We look forward to continuing to work with partners and achieving such good results.”

The Daru hospital in the Western Province has closed as of Tuesday this week following an influx of COVID-19 patients into the hospital. Deputy Controller Dr Daoni Esorom said the hospital is currently treating 80 COVID-19 patients and they don't have any more beds to cater for patients. Meanwhile a senior doctor of the hospital is very sick with symptoms of Delta Variant. "The doctor that is looking after the emergency department and the clinical services of the hospital is currently in a critical condition." "We are planning to medivac her to Port Moresby and we are pretty sure that it is the Delta Variant with symptoms quite peculiar and specific to the Delta Variant. " Dr Daoni said it is likely that Western Province will see more of such cases in the coming days. "We will see more of this in Western province while we are already seeing it us spreading in West Sepik." " If the country is not careful, we night have a severe surge and a massive outbreak that can easily get out of control and we will have a lot of people dying." said Dr Daoni. He called on the people in high risk provinces to strictly adhere to the new normal and volunteer to be vaccinated to protect themselves, their families and communities from the deadly strain of the virus.

Transparency International Papua New Guinea (TIPNG) and the Constitutional and Law Reform Commission (CLRC) earlier this week in Port Moresby have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop an agency-level anti-corruption strategy for the CLRC. This initiative is part of TIPNG’s Promoting Anti-Corruption and Integrity Strategies (PAIS) Project funded by the European Union to strengthen public trust in national integrity institutions. “TIPNG commends the leadership demonstrated by the CLRC in signing an MoU to develop an agency-level anti- corruption strategy. This decision speaks to the foresight of the Commission in ensuring that it is further equipped to fulfil its constitutional role. It is auspicious that this signing is happened on the eve of Independence Day when all Papua New Guineans should reflect on their patriotic duty to oppose corruption wherever it occurs. To that end, the CLRC has a vital mandate to safeguard the integrity of our National Constitution, so that the rule of law is not compromised in our country. As a key part of the legislative consultation process, the CLRC ensures that laws in Papua New Guinea are of the people, by the people, and for the people,” said Chief Executive Officer of TIPNG, Ms. Arianne Kassman in a media statement. CLRC’s mission is to provide the Government with high level, independent advice on the Constitutional Laws and other law review and reform activities, and the state of the laws, as well as to promote community awareness and understanding of laws and the legal system in Papua New Guinea. The CLRC has a special constitutional responsibility to monitor the development of the Underlying Law and provide regular reports to the Parliament on the appropriateness of the application of the Underlying Law principles (Schedule 2.14 of the Constitution). In addition to this, the CLRC Chairperson is tasked to refer any decisions of the lower courts, which may be inconsistent with the proper development of the Underlying Law, to the National Court, as set down in Sections 8 and 13 of the Underlying Law Act 2000. TIPNG through the PAIS Project will be working with state agencies to develop internal anti-corruption strategies in 2021, that will be shared with citizens and journalists so that they can more effectively engage with the public sector to take action against corruption. This work has been informed by TIPNG’s 2021 National Integrity System Assessment (NISA) Report which found that all 14 National Integrity pillars in PNG were less than adequate. Furthermore, the NISA identified a clear integrity gap between the existing laws and practice by agencies. The internal anti-corruption strategies developed by TIPNG in partnership with selected agencies will go towards bridging this integrity gap.

Eleven new COVID-19 control measures issued by the Police Commissioner and Controller of the PNG National Pandemic Response David Manning came into effect this week. However, a seven-day grace period will apply for all passengers. To clarify, passengers boarding an aircraft on and after Wednesday 22 September, 2021, will be required to have been tested for COVID-19 within a 72-hour period prior to boarding their first port of departure. Also, tracking of individuals for the purposes of quarantine is for people in designated approved quarantine facilities as well as home quarantine. They will be subject to the Tracpro tracing. The main changes to the measure are to international and domestic travel as well as social and business. Domestic travel, social and business have been placed into Measure No. 3. Domestic Measures. For international travel, the new measure are as follows: 1. New Quarantine periods - seven days quarantine for incoming persons who are fully vaccinated and 14 days quarantine for partially vaccinated persons. PNG citizens and permanent residents who are unvaccinated are to be quarantined for 21 days. Any foreign national who is unvaccinated will not be allowed entry into PNG. Children under the age of 18 years who travel with a parent or guardian will be quarantined for the same period as their parent or guardian. Children under the age of 18 who are unaccompanied will be assessed and quarantined on a case-by-case basis. Children under five years are exempted; 2. These new quarantine periods do not apply to all persons currently in quarantine - unless provided an exception which will continue to apply; 3. Approvals to arrive in PNG are valid for 60 days rather than the previous 90 days; 4. Approvals to enter PNG shall not be provided to persons travelling to PNG for the principal purpose of holidaying, vacationing or similar activity; 5. All persons travelling to PNG must have a valid COVID-19 test 72 hours prior to their original port of departure, rather than 7-days prior to departing for Port Moresby. For clarity and as an example, if a person initiated their travel in the United States of America and their flight transited through Singapore to Port Moresby, they would need to be tested 72 hours prior to their flight departing the United States of America, not the flight departing from Singapore. Children aged five years and under are exempted from being tested; 6. All people arriving into PNG must be tested upon arrival and whilst in quarantine. This is the responsibility of the facility hosting quarantined persons. The cost may be passed onto the individual by the facility, but it is the responsibility of the quarantine facility to organise the tests and pass the test results onto the NCC; 7. If an individual refuses to be tested, they will be quarantined for an additional 14 days; 8. There is no restriction on which medical providers may conduct these tests, except that the medical providers and their staff must be properly licensed. The NCC will accept results from all such medical testing providers; 9. Tracking of individuals for the purposes of quarantine is for people in designated approved quarantine facilities as well as home quarantine. They are subject to the Tracpro tracing; 10. All Charter Flights must - in addition to the normal approvals - have the Controller’s written approval. This power has not been delegated.

Prime Minister James Marape acknowledge that much progress has been made to reopen the giant Porgera Mine. He said that since the signing of the Framework Agreement on 09 April 2021, there has been a lot of activities in preparation for the reopening of the mine. He said that while opening the Porgera Mine is an important outcome we are all looking for, getting to that point required important regulatory and commercial arrangements to be in place. He recognised the commitments that the regulators, Barrick and Kumul Mineral Holding Limited have demonstrated to progress important milestones. He said that the engagement with landowners on the details of the benefits and the presentation of the framework agreement in Porgera on the 4th of June 2021 was an important milestone. So was the Land Owner Consultative Meeting’ which was held in Wabag on the 8th July where SML, LMP, Riverine footprint landowners came in large numbers to be informed of the benefits of the New Porgera. On the basis of that strong support, the Mining Department and the Mineral Resources Authority were able to successfully conduct clan validation exercise on the SML and LMPS. The validation exercise to appoint the SML Landowners was completed on the 5th August. This was followed by the validation of LMP and Riverine Foot print which saw the nomination of LMPs agents on the 27 August 2021. The Prime Minister said that it was important that all milestones are concluded properly and according to set processes and law to ensure that the pathway is cleared for the reopening of the mine. There are key legal agreements & commercial discussion and exchanges with the state, Kumul and the Barrick Team which need to be concluded correctly. “I am obviously disappointed that our set deadline has now surpassed us. But I am absolutely committed to ensure that the important commercial arrangements under the key agreements are concluded correctly so that all our collective interests as reflected in the framework agreement are fully captured in the commencement agreement and other important agreements. We cannot afford to miss anything by rushing through these agreements and unfortunately, there are no short cuts to this.” He acknowledged that apart from the Commencement Agreement which is currently being discussed for finalisation, the teams have been working concurrently on the Operatorship Agreement and the Mining Development Contract, which would secure the commercial arrangements for the new Porgera and its ownership structure going forward. It took a lot of effort to get this far. “Kumul & Barrick and the State Team are progressing this body of work well and it is about 80% complete. There are obviously key issues which both parties will be discussing in the next two weeks with a view of finalising the Agreement for signing.” He said that the conclusion of the commencement agreement will trigger off all other agreements. These includes the Operatorship Agreement, the Shareholders Agreement, the Fiscal Stability Agreement and the Mine Development Contract (MDC). Following that, it is also expected that key service contracts including employment, supply and procurement contracts will be concluded and the mine will then be able to recommence operations. The Prime Minister also acknowledged very strong support from the Enga Provincial Government and the people of Porgera to help finalise the clan agents. These important support from our key stakeholders will ensure that there is project security. “In recognising that, he foreshadowed that in principle his government would consider supporting further equity adjustments possibly up to 40%-60% for the landowners/provincial governments and the State. This is the same principle my government believes in by empowering provinces and land owners just like we have passed on 40% of Eda Ranu to landowners and provincial governments." He also accepted that any eventual equity ratio for Porgera will be subjected to important technical and policy discussions, given that important commercial arrangements and economic benefits are based on the current agreed split and upon which the framework agreement was concluded. He also proposed that those consideration must preferably also include any other stakeholders within the foot print of the project as a minimum consideration. He expressed hope that at the time of the development forum those key discussions will be held. Those discussions could be built around the revised policy led by the Department of Mineral Policy and Geohazards to guard future equity discussions. These are important discussions which have implications on not just Porgera but other mining projects. We have to understand the technical details that would guide questions on equity for now and into the future. “The Government has decided that we are in partnership with Barrick and therefore we remain committed to full terms of the framework agreement, and would like to ensure that all the subsequent agreements and arrangements are concluded within this month.” He called on the State Team and the Barrick to stay focussed on the important milestones at hand to ensure that the intentions of the Framework Agreement are realised to their fullest extent.

The Amazing Port Moresby Street Festival combined with the NCD SME Vendor’s Market continued to display a variety of festivities and attractions for city residents to enjoy at Ela Beach this week leading up to the 46th Independence celebrations. It commenced on Sunday, September 12th and continued through September 16th. Surrounded by vendors selling an array of goods from fresh produce, to homemade soaps, to dresses and crafts, the Amazing Port Moresby Street Festival continued to entertain and amaze onlookers. The vision of the Amazing Port Moresby Independence Festival combined with the NCD SME centre’s had an objective to display Port Moresby as a safe, healthy and united city that celebrates the many different ethnicities, tribes, languages and cultures represented in the city and in throughout Papua New Guinea as a whole. This vision comes to life daily through the varied display of goods, talents and smiling attendees. One of the objectives is to support the growing micro-economy that is in Port Moresby. This event has accomplished this objective by providing a platform for performing artists and over 250 market vendors simultaneously. The up and coming artists staged at the Amazing Port Moresby Festival are professionals in their own right. About 6 artists and/groups have performed every evening during the Street Festival. Many of whom could easily perform around the country but perhaps are not widely known as of yet. The Amazing Port Moresby Street Festival in this way, are expanding the brand awareness of these artists through the evening shows and through Social Media. While the artists perform onstage, lining the streets colourfully are the SME market vendors. On the first day of the event more than 178 vendors participated. On the second day, as word continued to spread throughout the city the space housed more than 250 vendors. In addition to city vendors, there are several from the Western Highlands Province with fresh fruits and vegetables. In the lead up to Independence, these vendors have undergone training prior to the event to ensure the quality of their goods and services. What makes this section of the event successful is that vendors continue to report that they are earning money daily to support their living. Day two and three showcased an array of musicians, singers, dancers, both traditional and modern alike, magicians and comedians along with guest performer and contortionist Naomi, all the way from Kimbe. There was also a large bouncy castle for the children and face painting all at no cost to the attendees. The Independence Festival attracted lots of people, expat communities, families, MP’s, public servants including those who have somewhere to go to after work. The expectation was fulfilled on Independence Day 16th September, with the place packed to capacity. "We encouraged everyone to visit the stalls, purchase your favourite t-shirt, fruit or homemade craft item." "Then find your way over to the performance area, where you can enjoy the entertainment." There was so much happening at Ela Beach to celebrate Independence. "Happy Independence everyone and hope you and families enjoyed the festivities."

Oil Search PNG Orchid No.9, Maima Wei will coach the Northern Confederate Under 18 Open girls team when they attend the 2021 Kumul Petroleum National Schools Rugby League Championships in Port Moresby next week. The 22- player squads for the U18 Open girls and the Under 14, Under 16 and Under 18 Boys were selected following a successful two-day Kumul Petroleum Northern Confederate school’s trials held at the Lae Rugby League grounds last weekend. The Northern Confederate squads are: Under 18 Girls                              Under 18 Boys                        Under 16 Boys                   Under 14 Boys 1 Yolanda Kita                              1. Jeremy Gimbo                     1. Terence Dawa               1. Jeffery Bagelo 2. McClaudia Paul                        2. Carlos Lung                          2. Benjamin Atua              2. Noah Tuksy 3. Stepahanie Langi                     3. Cedrick Misiren                    3. Emmanuel Miall            3. Randaison Yassa 4. Kenisha Beeps                          4. Ravu Vui                               4. Mondo Joffe                 4. Joshua Kiandu 5. Renifa Joseph                           5. Felman Esrom                      5. Marley Patrick               5. Foster Ravinnie 6. Daniella Tapu                           6. Ferman Laku                         6. Reuben Lakau               6. Franky Kiandu 7. Gorethy Julius                          7. Jordan Miopa                        7. Matthew Yawa              7. Ghalie Geana 8. Bella Pwesei                             8. McEmmanuel Geofferson     8. Bryan Penale                 8. Magau Kapi 9. Georgina Moses                       9. Maya Tusa                            9. Aaron Mark                   9. Kalas Jack 10. Charmaine Maliaki                 10. Joshua Papa                        10. Nigel Willie                 10. Brie Kaupa 11. Lenitha Koral                          11. Israel Napi                           11. Joshua Miall                11. Jack Buindal 12. Sandra Tepra                          12. Sebastine Benson               12. Matthew Mesmin        12. Paisy Gese 13. Rosana Arnold                        13. Andy Muchael                    13. Manu Tenbon              13. Ben Eremas 14. Miria John                              14. Brando Vali                          14. Simon Maimo              14. John Philip 15. Michaella Roger                     15. Tyron Maima                       15. Daniel Tantop              15. McTyson Palangan 16. Rachael Paulus                       16. Patrick Gebore                     16. Nawe Kevin                 16. Steven Enga 17. Meivin Kasaring                      17. Kalo Wemin                         17. Willie Matthew            17. Norman Joseph 18. Havilah Eliah 18. Manu Kola   18. Manu Kola                           18. Rocky Pamundi           18. Jacob Dalibe 19. Julian Las                                19. Frank Joe                             19. Ezrah Kapi                    19. Theodore Thed 20. Wamila Miopa                        20. McKenzie Joe                      20. Tonny Aseneo              20. Jacob Isaac 21. Kamalyn Yure                          21. Pridely Mai                          21. Makas Hunjefri            21. Jadu Emika 22. Latisha Mohnah                      22. Joe Paka                              22. David Bobby                22. Kenedy Timothy Coach: Maima Wei                       Coach: Moses Paita                  Coach: Ben Umba               Coach: Fadox Inna PNGRFL CEO Stanley Hondina said the Kumul Petroleum NSRL championships will kick off on Monday September 20, 2021 at 10.00am with the Under 14 Boys at the Oil Search National Football Stadium in Port Moresby. “Under 16 Boys play on Tuesday, Under 18 Boys on Wednesday and the Under 18 girls on Thursday,” Hondina said. “The best 20 players in each division will be selected at the end of each day and will remain in Port Moresby an extra day to attend an elite training camp.”

The U.S. government—through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID)—announced $3.8 million in urgent COVID-19 assistance for Papua New Guinea as a part of the American Rescue Plan Act. This assistance will help accelerate widespread and equitable access to and delivery of safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines, strengthen health systems, and support other public health measures to curb the spread of COVID-19 and the recent emergence of the Delta variant in Papua New Guinea. “Papua New Guinea is working hard to address the challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic within its communities,” said U.S. Ambassador to Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu Erin E. McKee. “This assistance from the American people underscores our enduring partnership and commitment to combat this unprecedented global health crisis together.” With this assistance, the U.S. government, through USAID, has provided more than $9.2 million to address COVID-19 in Papua New Guinea. USAID assistance has helped the country implement internationally recognized infection prevention and control strategies, strengthen laboratory systems, case management, and surveillance tracking, and communicate effectively about COVID-19 prevention and care. Additionally, the United States has already contributed $2 billion, as part of its $4 billion pledge, to support COVAX — a global effort to provide safe and effective vaccines for 92 countries, including Papua New Guinea. The country has already received 580,400 vaccine doses from the COVAX Facility, including 302,400 Johnson & Johnson vaccines donated directly by the U.S. government. The U.S. is committed to partnering with Papua New Guinea and other Pacific Island countries to end the COVID-19 pandemic, mitigate its devastating social and economic impacts, and build back a world that is even better prepared for future outbreaks. These efforts build on decades of life-saving work and U.S. leadership in tackling global health crises. For the past 60 years since its founding in 1961, USAID has saved millions of lives from diseases such as Ebola, HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, and now COVID-19.

With three more days to go before the annual staging of the Goroka Show, the Provincial Administrator of Eastern Highlands Province, Mr John Gimiseve has released the following media statement advising all concerned: We understand and acknowledged that a lot of time, preparation, commitment by individuals, groups, communities and business houses, have been made towards the Iconic global event- Goroka Show. However, it is with regret that the show will not proceed as scheduled given our current COVID 19 situation in the Province. From experience, our province suffered 16 deaths and over 50 people admitted to our hospital between March and April 2021, from COVID 19. The situation subsided from June to August 2021. However, in the first two weeks (3-12 September) alone, 24 new cases and 4 deaths were recorded in the hospital. That is very alarming and serious for our province. As we speak, our hospital does not have the capacity to manage over 20 critically ill COVID 19 cases. The hospital’s capacity to effectively deal with such is stretched to the maximum. COVID 19 and its recent variant are also unpredictable. To further complicate the situation, our population in general are not adhering to the New Normal Measures. Even the vaccine uptake among our frontline population in the province at 33% is risky. The huge number of unvaccinated (unprotected) population accessing the show places a greater risk and will culminate in enormous calamity after the show. In light of all the above, I have no choice but to immediately cancel the Goroka Show from proceeding as planned. The health and wellbeing of the bulk of the population of EHP takes precedence over all other considerations. I cannot and will not take the risk of compromising the people’s health. This also means all other public events that attract the congregation of people should also be put off until further notice. Thank you all for your understanding.

Police Commissioner and Controller of the PNG National Pandemic Response David Manning today authorised the release of new measures to address the COVID-19 pandemic in the country. The key changes are to international and domestic travel as well as social and business. For international travel, the new measure are as follows: 1. New Quarantine periods - seven days quarantine for incoming persons who are fully vaccinated and 14 days quarantine for partially vaccinated persons. PNG citizens and permanent residents who are unvaccinated are to be quarantined for 21 days. Any foreign national who is unvaccinated will not be allowed entry into PNG. Children under the age of 18 years who travel with a parent or guardian will be quarantined for the same period as their parent or guardian. Children under the age of 18 who are unaccompanied will be assessed and quarantined on a case-by-case basis. Children under five years are exempted; 2. These new quarantine periods do not apply to all persons currently in quarantine - unless provided an exception which will continue to apply; 3. Approvals to arrive in PNG are valid for 60 days rather than the previous 90 days; 4. Approvals to enter PNG shall not be provided to persons travelling to PNG for the principal purpose of holidaying, vacationing or similar activity; 5. All persons travelling to PNG must have a valid COVID-19 test 72 hours prior to their original port of departure, rather than 7-days prior to departing for Port Moresby. For clarity and as an example, if a person initiated their travel in the United States of America and their flight transited through Singapore to Port Moresby, they would need to be tested 72 hours prior to their flight departing the United States of America, not the flight departing from Singapore. Children aged five years and under are exempted from being tested; 6. All people arriving into PNG must be tested upon arrival and whilst in quarantine. This is the responsibility of the facility hosting quarantined persons. The cost may be passed onto the individual by the facility, but it is the responsibility of the quarantine facility to organise the tests and pass the test results onto the NCC; 7. If an individual refuses to be tested, they will be quarantined for an additional 14 days; 8. There is no restriction on which medical providers may conduct these tests, except that the medical providers and their staff must be properly licensed. The NCC will accept results from all such medical testing providers; 9. Tracking of individuals for the purposes of quarantine is now only for home quarantine. Persons quarantining in scheduled quarantine facilities are not required to be tracked; and 10. All Charter Flights must - in addition to the normal approvals - have the Controller’s written approval. This power has not been delegated. Domestic travel and social measures have been merged into Measure No. 3 “Domestic Measures”. Mr Manning said due to the increased threat of the COVID-19 Delta variant all provinces are now classified as a medium risk. He said it is the responsibility of Provincial Health Authorities to advise Provincial Administrators as to what their risk of COVID-19 is on a weekly basis. The Provincial Administrator is then required to communicate this to the Controller. The Controller will make the final decision to classify a province from a medium risk to a high risk. Failure to report and to test by any province will be taken into account by the Controller when making this determination, as will a number of other factors. The Controller has classified Western Province and Sandaun (West Sepik) as High-Risk Provinces. Restrictions will be based on whether a province is High or Medium Risk. For high-risk provinces the following will apply: • Gatherings of only 20 people allowed; • All persons leaving a high-risk province must undertake a rapid antigen test prior to departure; • Night clubs, pubs and similar venues must be closed; and • No sporting activities over 4 persons are allowed. For medium risk provinces, gatherings of only 100 people are allowed. Other domestic restrictions continue to apply, including; (a) No person may fly if they are symptomatic for COVID-19, and (b) All travelers must have their temperature checked by airline staff and no person may travel if their temperature registers at or over 37.5C (except for medivac and emergency flights). The measure on no sale of alcohol on Friday, Saturday or Sunday nationwide still remains in force. Mr Manning said these new measures which come into effect on September 15, 2021, have been made taking into consideration the continuous threat of COVID-19 whilst at the same time ensuring continuity and normalcy in all facets of life.

There is a surge in COVID-19 cases in the country, including additional deaths being reported in Western Province at the weekend. OK-Tedi Mine- run hospital in Tabubil, Western Province, has reported four deaths at the weekend. This is now Tabubil’s 3rd surge since the outbreak begun two years ago and this time the hospital has recorded 176 cases as well as 12 deaths. While confirming  these deaths, Deputy Controller for the National Pandemic Response Dr Daoni Esorom has appealed to everyone in the country to listen and follow the COVID protocols. “There’s mass gatherings taking place for 46th Independence celebrations.  We’ve observed that people are not adhering to COVID protocols like mask wearing, hand sanitizing and physical distancing,’’ he said. “Currently, we have a delta surge in the country. Ontop of the non-compliance to COVID protocols, there’s a high hesitancy for COVID-19 vaccines. I strongly urge people to go back and re-visit the protocols and make sure they are adhering to them. “We are expecting a very big surge in delta cases, starting this month and the mass gatherings with no adherence to COVID-19 protocols will facilitate this.’’ Dr Daoni said Delta variant is a new variant of COVID-19 which spreads faster and is deadlier. Tabubil health facility has also reported that majority of the cases have not been vaccinated, including the deaths. Like many parts of PNG, Western Province is facing huge issues such as lack of capacity to test and care for the sick. “At the moment, our testing has been very low despite the fact that we’ve been seeing increases in respiratory illnesses in June, July, and August in many provinces notable ones, being Morobe, West New Britain, East New Britain and NCD,’’ said Dr Daoni. Head of NCC Emergency Medical Team (EMT) Dr Gary Nou said at a meeting this morning that his team is looking at how they can help Western Province which will include deploying an international team. However, he said EMTs can only work with the teams on the ground to beef up the ongoing operation which is almost non-existent in Western Province.  “We can bring in equipment, but there are no nurses. We need nurses to look after the patients. Most of the people are presenting late,’’ he said. He also said it is hard to know the real situation in Western Province because testing is low and is mostly done at Tabubil health facility. Emergency Physician at the Port Moresby General Hospital  Dr Scotty Kendelyo, who is also the clinical cluster lead at NCC,  also reported that PMGH is also experiencing a surge and its isolation ward is more than 50 per cent occupied, which has resulted in a decision being made to re-open the Taurama Acquatic Centre. They are also looking at bringing in extra-manpower to cater for the increasing number of patients being admitted with COVID-19. West Sepik Province is also experiencing a surge so a team from NCC is currently on the ground to give support.

The signing of a tripartite partnership agreement through an MOU today between National Youth Development Authority (NYDA), PNG Sports Foundation (PNGSF) and Department of Community Development & Religion (DfEDR) paves the way forward for the engagement of our rural youths at the LLG levels to be given the opportunity to participate meaningfully ii sporting activities that will be hosted at the district level. The National Youth Policy has four (4) Pillars. Pillar 4 on Health, Sports and Culture with a key objective to see ‘A young generation that have healthy lifestyle, physical fitness and cultural uniqueness’ can holistically be achieved through the concept of the Regional Youth Games (RYGs) Pillar 4 of the NYP can only be effectively rolled out through collaboration and partnership; therefore, today we witness this important occasion to see NYDA Director General-Joe Itaki, PNGSF Executive Director-Albert Veratau, and Dept of Community Development & Religion a/Secretary-Jerry Ubase joining hands together to ensure that the RYG provides the avenue to identify raw talents of the youths in the rural areas. The three (3) agency heads believe that engagement of youths in sports is a catalyst for character development, provides identity and purpose for the youths; keep youths occupied and out of trouble; has social benefits and enforces a growth mindset; instils discipline and team work; expose youths to positive role models; and bring opportunities to be selected to represent their district, province and country nationally, regionally and internationally in the name of sports. RYG is an intervention that underpins the basic underlying principles on value adding, promoting unity and respect; participatory; rural development and identity of their culture and the promotion of tourism that will offer exciting and inspiring experiences as a sports-culture-creative-education-health tourism platform and product by providing benefit sharing opportunities and pointing visitors its way and giving access to ground breaking exhibitions and enrichment programs. The Regional Youth Games (RYG) is district focused, and will be held in a selected district within a province in each of the 4 regions of PNG biennially. Through the RYG, rural youths are given the opportunity to participate and be selected in the inter-LLG games to represent their districts in the RYGs. The RYG creates the pathway for youth to be selected to PNG Games, and then on to representing PNG in regional and international sporting events such as the Commonwealth Youth Games, mini pacific games and so forth. The first trialled RYG was held in Wewak District of East Sepik Province in July last year (2020) which saw a number of districts within the Momase region participate. With the MOU signed today, the rrst Inaugural Papua RYG will commence in Alotau, Milne Bay Province where selected youths in all districts within the Southern region will be attending. The games will be held on the 28th November-8th December 2021. We invite partners to support this new concept to see our young people progress in sports development that will have a positive impact in their lives; and to also visit Alotau to see for yourself the games and how you can be engaged to complement your programs alongside the RYGs in the years to come.