Australia is working together with the South Fly District Development Authority (DDA) and local stakeholders to improve access to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services to communities, schools, and health facilities in the district. This work includes targeted training for members of the South Fly District WASH Committee. Through strengthening their site selection and procurement processes, as well as information and data collection skills, the District WASH Committee continues to enable the implementation of the five-year district WASH plan, alongside the delivery of WASH infrastructure. DDA Chief Executive Officer, Mr Tewa Gebia, recognised the importance of WASH, saying that it is a cross-cutting development issue. “Challenges of low school attendance in the education sector, high prevalence of TB and other communicable diseases in the health sector can be improved if there is a good clean water, sanitation and hygiene practice in our 76 wards.” At its recent meeting in Daru and as an outcome of the capacity building activities, the District WASH Committee addressed staffing and resources by appointing an engineer and district environmental health officers to drive WASH service delivery. With the committee’s endorsement, these new officers will assist Local Level Government Managers with project design, project implementation, water quality monitoring, and hygienic waste disposal standards. The committee also aims to ensure all voices are heard in the planning, implementation, and management of WASH services. As part of the committee’s drive to increase ward-level representation and inclusivity, the Western Provincial Council of Women is expected to lead a participatory community consultation on the WASH projects this year. The South Fly District WASH Committee includes representation from government, civil society, and the private sector, working closely with local stakeholders towards shared objectives and priorities to improve access to inclusive, resilient, and sustainable WASH services for the South Fly District.

Colgate-Palmolive (PNG) LTD hosted National Tooth brushing day today at Butuka Academy school in the Moresby South Electorate in collaboration with the National Department of Health. This year marks the 12th year of celebrating this day after a 3yr break due to COVID-19 restrictions and is in line with Colgate's global school health education program, Bright smiles, Bright futures which has positively impacted over 2.5 million children around the country since its inception in 2010. A total of 412 schools nationwide are participating in this year's National Tooth brushing Day Celebrations. This event is part of the Colgate’s effort to remind everyone that maintaining good oral hygiene can be enjoyable and engaging for the whole family. Miss Pacific Islands 2022, Ms Josie Nicholas present at the occasion, encouraged all participants to brush their teeth twice a day for 2 minutes. She told students that taking care of your oral health leads to better overall health. “Make sure you tell your parents to remind you to brush your teeth in the morning and at night before you go to sleep.” “If you don’t brush your teeth, you can be vulnerable to getting diseases like gum disease or mouth cancer.” The National Toothbrushing Day countdown was conducted live on national radio on Nau FM, Yumi FM and Legend FM by respective breakfast announcers Karl and Marie of Nau FM, Barbra of Yumi FM and Frankii of Legend FM. Participants were given a toothbrush and tooth paste and showed the 5 steps on how to correctly brush their teeth. Colgate is hoping to increase the number of participants each year and encourage a healthier Papua New Guinea.

The SP PNG Hunters have been working hard to maintain the momentum they built over their last five fixtures despite been off the field for almost 3 weeks following a bye in Round 18 and a break in the QRL Hostplus Cup competition last weekend. The PNG-based club will look to return to the winner’s circle when they face the Brisbane Tigers on Sunday, 30thJuly at Totally Workwear Stadium, Brisbane. Kick-off is at 2:10pm. The Hunters have steadily improved throughout the 2023 season to sit in 11th position on the Hostplus Cup ladder with four rounds remaining. They picked up a few wins early in the season against lesser opposition, but it wasn’t until midway through the year that the Hunters truly found their form. A run of games on home soil at the Santos National Football Stadium saw the Hunters catapult themselves up the QRL ladder, with big wins over finals-bound clubs Tweed Seagulls, Sunshine Coast Falcons, and Central Queensland Capras. The Hunters found a winning formula during that period and now have the game plan to challenge the top teams in the competition. By powering through the middle and compressing the defence around the ruck, the Hunters are now consistently building towards scoring actions on the edges. Halfback Jamie Mavoko –playing in just his second season in the QRL Hostplus Cup –and fellow rookie five-eighth Sakias Komati have combined smartly this season to bring the Hunters strike outside backs into the game. Rodrick Tai, Solo Wane, Brandon Nima, Junior Igila and fullback sensation Morea Morea have all been afforded opportunities to positively impact results thanks to the work of their forward pack and spine players. Throughout the season, the Hunters have also enjoyed excellent contributions from some lesser known or established players. The likes of Joshua Mire, Joshua Lau, Whallan Tau-Loi, Tommy Moide and Trevor Solu have all risen to the challenge this year and given this Hunters squad a depth they’ve not had in previous seasons. This new-and-improved Hunters side face a stern test this Sunday with the fifth placed Brisbane Tigers waiting for them at Totally Workwear Stadium. These two clubs last met in Round 3 earlier this season, when Church’s Tigers snuck away with a two-point victory. No doubt the Hunters will be desperate to make amends for that narrow loss this weekend. The Tigers will also be hungry when they take the field on Sunday, having suffered a heavy defeat to the Tweed Seagulls in Round 18. That loss to Tweed arrested a three-game winning streak for the Tigers, who have scored three tries or more in every match going back to Round 7. Tigers are one of the better attacking teams in the competition with NRL-quality players littered across their lineup. The likes of Corey Thompson, George Jennings, Ryley Jacks and Kane Bradley will give the Tigers a wealth of experience and attacking talent on Sunday afternoon. Player to watch is PNG Hunters captain Ila Alu who has been in inspired form since returning from injury in Round 14. As one of the club’s most experienced campaigners, the Hunters are a much-improved outfit with Alu on the field. He has a good feel for the game and offers invaluable leadership and direction on both sides of the ball.

Walindi Primary School in West New Britain Province launched its new its new double classroom that was donated by Digicel PNG Foundation. The celebration took place at the school premises on Friday 14th July 2023. Digicel Foundation has been investing in education for the past 15 years as it believes that every child has the right to education. Through Digicel PNG Foundation’s Education Infrastructure Development Program, Waves Contractors were engaged to work on the classroom project for Walindi Primary School in Talasea District, West New Britain Province. The school was having issues with overcrowding and really needed the classroom. Walindi Primary School Secretary and Treasurer Mrs. Cecilie Benjamin thanked Digicel Foundation for gifting the school with a classroom which will greatly benefit the students. She also acknowledged the school board of management and administration for its strong management and leadership which helped in securing the support from Digicel Foundation. “This engagement with Digicel Foundation to achieve the result we have now has changed Walindi Primary School for the better.” “We look forward to working together in future projects to improve Walindi Primary School.’’ The completed school infrastructure project comes with an office for the Principal, two fully furnished classrooms inclusive of 20 standard student desks, whiteboards, pin boards and teachers’ tables and chairs for each classroom. The project also includes a solar rooftop panel for electricity, a 9,000L Tuffa tank on a reinforced concrete base with a lockable tap to ensure the students have access to clean drinking water, and toilet/shower facilities for students. The official launch event organized by the school and community was attended by Member for Talasea Hon. Freddie Reu Kumai, representatives from the District Administration, the Provincial Division of Education, Provincial Police, NBC Kimbe, School Board, teachers, parents and students. Digicel PNG team in Kimbe were also invited to attend the event. Digicel PNG Foundation was delighted to donate the K350,000 worth classroom infrastructure to Walindi Primary School. Digicel PNG Foundation has invested over K2.2million in West New Britain Province, with six primary schools, six elementary schools, one ambulance and one community grant. In total, Digicel PNG Foundation has invested over K169 million into social projects in all provinces across PNG.

Trukai Industries, in its fight to combat TB in the workplace, has included the recent training of TB Wardens. Five employees from the company completed a three-day training conducted under the Business 4 Health’s Cover Your Cough Program, which took place in Lae and Port Moresby. Trukai Industries' TB Wardens will be based in Lae, Mt Hagen, Kokopo, and Port Moresby to observe and provide support to employees who may show symptoms of TB and ensuring the health and safety of everyone. Trukai Industries’ Area Sales Manager for Port Moresby, Gregory Tugiau, who is one of the company’s TB wardens, described the training as a beneficial tool that will protect Trukai employees and their families. “Attending the training gave me an insight into the alarming TB rate that we have in the country,” he said. “Being a TB Warden means that I am there to assist any of my team members who may show early signs of TB, protecting the people around them but most importantly, protecting themselves and their families.” Business 4 Health’s Trainer and Health Extension Officer (HEO) Teresa Koratsi, who facilitated the TB training, said Trukai’s inclusion of TB Wardens strengthens the fight against the disease. “Having TB wardens in Trukai’s workforce creates a link between Trukai’s employees and the TB clinics.” “The TB wardens become the eyes and the ears, connecting employees to the most suitable medical services that they may require, if they show signs of TB.” Trukai Industries’ Chief Executive Office, Alan Preston, said the company will continue to promote a safe and healthy workplace for its employees. “Trukai is a proud champion in the fight against TB in the country and with the inclusion of our TB wardens, this reaffirms our fight to keep TB out of our workplace and to ultimately eradicate TB in Papua New Guinea.” “Trukai proudly has one of the most diverse CSR programs in any food manufacturing company in the country where we support the wellbeing of our people through various health and nutritional programs.” The company will be promoting Business 4 Health’s Cover Your Cough campaign on the 20th of August in this year's highly anticipated Trukai Fun Run. T he Cover Your Cough Campaign will be visible on all 50,000 Trukai Fun Run shirts.

The Chairman of the National Security Advisory Council and Chief Secretary to Government, Mr. Ivan Pomaleu has come out to thank the Police Commissioner, David Manning, for his directive to Puma Energy and the Bank of Papua New Guinea (BPNG) to ensure that fuel can continue to be supplied to fuel users throughout the country.  Puma Energy commenced rationing fuel supplies in all its service stations and its supply of Jet A1 fuel to airline operators last week. This has seen a scale back of flights operating in the country, including Air Niugini. This has since seen a lot of cancelled flights and stranded passengers throughout the country. “The story on fuel supplies is such that not only will flights be affected, but other important services such as ambulance, electricity, and security services will be affected.” “Major economic activities will also be affected. That is why this intervention is necessary as the country goes through the long weekend.” The Chief Secretary also commended Air Niugini for maintaining some level of services to the main sectors of its operating routes, even though the fuel rationing went as low as 50% at least by Friday and Saturday. Mr. Pomaleu also confirmed that the National Security Council have met recently and made some resolutions. The resolutions are being finalized by the government team and will be announced shortly. “The Government continues to acknowledge and manage the independence of the Bank of Papua New Guinea.” “At the same time, it seeks to ensure that the interests of its citizens, businesses and services are, as much as possible, sustained in an environment where Puma is the sole supplier of certain categories of fuel.”

People travelling on PNG Air can expect no more disruptions of flights after the airline announced the full resumption of its normal flight schedules from this week onwards. This was after PNG AIR advised customers and the travelling public that the airline has received advice from the jet aviation fuel supplier, Puma Energy that they have resumed normal service across the country, lifting the threat of possible flight cancellations. Passengers with reservations can travel with confidence, and book tickets to travel online at www.pngair.com.pg or at the nearest PNG Air, Post PNG Sales Office and Travel Agent. PNG Air also thanked its customers for their understanding and looks forward to welcoming them on board soon. For more information, customers can contact PNG Air Call Centre on 16111 (Digicel toll-free) or 7411 2644 (Bmobile and Telikom).

Police Commissioner, David Manning has issued a directive to the Bank of Papua New Guinea (BPNG) to immediately facilitate foreign currency exchange to Puma Energy for them to purchases of crude oil and refined petroleum products. Mr. Manning issued the directive under the Commissioner’s function as the Controller, under the National Pandemic Act, which is still in force as the PNG economy continues the long recovery from this period. “As Police Commissioner and Controller, I have a responsibility, on behalf of the government and our people, to intervene so as to prevent harm being pushed upon our people because two major organizations are unable to resolve their differences.” “The economic damage caused by the global pandemic still lingers and in my capacity, I will not let this disagreement between BPNG and Puma set back our recovery. “These are big organizations that should both have systems in place to prevent their disputes escalating to the point of costing livelihoods and lives. “When fuel supplies are reduced or cut, medicines cannot be transported, ambulance operations are hindered, businesses have to send workers home and food does not get to market.” The Commissioner said energy security is central to economic stability and public safety, so the government has taken action to overcome an unacceptable situation created between high level executives of the two organizations involved. “In consultation with the Prime Minister and the Minister for Internal Security, I have issued this direction to BPNG, and their compliance is mandated by law, while Puma must now do the right thing and end rationing. “Puma must immediately put an end to fuel rationing, restore fuel supplies from current stocks that are in the country and make urgent delivery of additional supplies. “With their global reach, Puma can have urgent re-supply so there can be no excuses on their part for not immediately ending the rationing. Mr. Manning said it is imperative that BPNG and Puma put in place processes, so that the current fuel rationing situation cannot happen again. Manning added that this isn’t the first-time people have been held to ransom over this foreign exchange matter between BPNG and Puma.

A recent survey conducted by UNFPA in partnership with the National Department of Health (NDoH) has found that 57% of health facilities had the minimum required number of maternal health medicines in stock. The Health Facilities Survey 2022 had surveyed 149 facilities that provide maternal health and delivery services in Papua New Guinea (PNG). From that survey, enumerators recorded the availability of 17 medicines. The World Health Organisation’s (WHOs) minimum global standard requires facilities offering maternal health and delivery services to have at least 7 of these medicines including two mandatory medicines, oxytocin and magnesium sulfate. Oxytocin assists in ensuring a safe delivery and magnesium sulfate reduces the risk of seizure in women with pre-eclampsia. These two medicines are critical for ending preventable maternal death. According to the survey, 75% of facilities reported oxytocin and 65% reported availability of magnesium sulfate. Women in rural areas are most at risk from the lack of medicines with 51% of rural health facilities reporting availability of the minimum of seven maternal health medicines. The results of this study will assist the UNFPA and the NDoH in understanding and responding to the instances of stock-outs in health facilities. The most common reasons for stock-outs were delays in ordering and receiving these essential medicines. Meanwhile, the NDoH with support from UNFPA, has been conducting logistics and supply chain management trainings for health workers in each province of PNG to address this matter. The trainings include health facility pharmacists, medical officers, nurses, and warehouse personnel to improve efficiency and reduce stock outs and wastage across the health system. UNFPA is working with the NDoH to address the unmet need for family planning and reduce maternal mortality and morbidity. UNFPA’s partnership with NDoH focuses on strengthening local expertise in delivering improved health services PNG through supporting midwifery in-service training and equipment, procurement and distribution of contraceptives and reproductive health commodities, support to the Certification in Basic Pharmaceutical Management course for Pharmacy Assistants, and sexual and reproductive health advocacy. With support from the Australian Government, UNFPA has completed a national Assessment for Reproductive Health Commodities and Services to assess the availability and quality of essential reproductive health commodities and quality of family planning and maternal health services in primary, secondary, and tertiary facilities across the country. In addition, UNFPA procured $730, 000 USD of reproductive health commodities in 2022 with $260, 000 USD for strengthening the supply chain and health system in PNG.

The New Ireland Education Chief Executive Officer, Mr Apelis Benson has said that funding of education services has been a real challenge in the education sector in the province. “I am having difficulties securing allocated funds to subsidise activities such as training, inspections, examinations, refurbishment of schools, rations support for secondary school and even consistency in disbursement of Government Tuition Fee Subsidy.” “I therefore, ask all leaders to manage funds well and only fund activities that are relevant.” “Thank you to those leaders who are always supporting the Government deliver their responsibilities." Apelis said that funding for Provincial In-service training week for teachers are still pending and they have had to postpone the PIST to a later date. He said that there will be a formal circular sent out by week 3 to confirm dates as well as possible change of assessment and term dates. He thanked all teachers for their patience and reminded them that teaching and learning must be the core business of every teacher saying attendance and punctuality is important. He asked that all heads of schools for Grades 8, 10 and 12 must submit their budgets for the national examination as soon as possible and that includes the marking of the written expression exams as well. He added that Monday 24th July 2023 is a public holiday and schools will observe this public holiday and resume the next day.

The Prime Minister has expressed appreciation to the Department of Works and Highways for their outstanding efforts in nearing the completion of the Trans-National Highway Corridor Missing Link between Aseki in Morobe and Epo in Gulf. Prime Minister James Marape commended the dedicated teams of the Department of Works and Highways for their relentless work under challenging conditions, including continuous rain and rugged terrain, to establish this crucial road. He said that this accomplishment demonstrates the success of the Marape Government's flagship 'Connect PNG' programme. During his visit to remote Menyamya in Morobe Province earlier this year, Marape followed the route of the Trans-National Highway by helicopter. This experience further reinforced his admiration for the project and the teams involved. "I extend my commendation to Minister Solan Mirisim, Secretary David Wereh and the entire team of civil engineers at the Department of Works and Highways." "My government is fully committed to addressing key missing links like this, in order to facilitate the development and integration of all regions within our country." Prime Minister Marape hopes that people will be able to travel from Port Moresby to Lae and vice versa through the corridor when the country celebrates its 50 years of independence on September 16, 2025. The 'Missing Link' of the Trans-National Highway, spanning 159.8km, lies between Oiwa in Aseki, Morobe, and Epo in Gulf. With the Department of Works and Highways establishing two teams, Team Morobe and Team Gulf, significant progress has been achieved. Marape highlighted that during the 21 months, 64km has been completed. To finalise the Trans-National Highway Corridor Missing Link, a remaining distance of 95.8km is yet to be completed. Team Morobe is responsible for 49.2km, while Team Gulf will handle 46.6km. The Prime Minister expects this remaining work to be finished by December 2024.

The Permanent Parliamentary Committee on Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment will hold a special Parliamentary Hearing today to interview candidates shortlisted by the Department of Personnel Management for the position of Director of the National Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Secretariat. The position of Director is a crucial role that will guide the establishment of the first ever National GBV Secretariat. The Secretariat will be responsible for driving the implementation of the National GBV Strategy (2016-2025) and coordinating implementation across national government agencies as well as the provinces. The National GBV Secretariat was supposed to be established in 2017 but approval and recruitment of key positions has been delayed for many years. The Special Parliamentary Committee on GBV drew attention to this deficiency in its two public hearings and two Reports to Parliament. Recommendation 6 of the Special Parliamentary Committee’s 2022 Report stated that “The Government must urgently; (1) Ensure the SRC approves the NGBVS CEO position at an appropriate level to ensure a qualified leader an be recruited; (2) Task DPM with recruiting the remaining 10 NGBVS staff, who must have sufficient GBV qualifications to ensure they can effectively drive the implementation of the National GBV Strategy with government and non-government partners”. Applications for the position of Director and all other positions in the National GBV Secretariat were advertised from 1 May to 12 May 2023. The new Permanent Parliamentary Committee on GEWE held their first public hearings from 24-26 May 2023. They were told by the Department for Community Development and Religion that the recruitments had still not been completed by that time. The Committee strongly urged DFCDR to make the recruitments their top priority. The GEWE Committee Chair, Governor Powes Parkop, and Deputy Chair, Governor Allan Bird, have since been liaising closely with DPM and DFCDR to encourage them to prioritise the recruitment of the National GBV Secretariat Director. Recognising the important oversight role that the GEWE Committee plays, DPM has now invited the shortlisted candidates to appear before the Committee, as part of the vetting process. The vetting process will be undertaken by the Committee from 10am on 18 July 2023, at Parliament Haus. Shortlisted candidates have been invited to appear and they will be asked to present their vision for the Secretariat to the Committee, to indicate how they plan to implement the mandate of the Secretariat and work with stakeholders. The Committee hearings will be live streamed on the Committee facebook page, as usual. This will allow the public to hear from each candidate and to witness a more transparent and accountable recruitment process for this critical role. In addition to Chairman Parkop and Deputy Chair Allan Bird, the Committee has 5 other members, namely; Central Province Governor Rufina Peter; Wau Waria MP, Marsh Narewe; Alotau MP, Ricky Morris; Koroba Lake Kopiago MP William Bando; and POM NW MP Lohia Boe Samuel. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has been providing technical support to the new Parliamentary Committee on GEWE as part of its Parliamentary Strengthening Project, which is funded by the Australian Government. This support aims to support the National Parliament, its members and its Committee to engage in more effective law-making, oversight and representation in the discharge of their constitutional mandates.