The National Department of Health is closely observing an increase in the number of respiratory flu cases across the country. The virus has been identified as Influenza A, Subtype H3N2, (Flu A) according to the PNG Institute of Medical Research after testing at the Goroka Laboratory.Despite the virus being confirmed as seasonal, the NDoH is sending a word of caution to the public, advising them to take preventative measures such as, keeping away from large gatherings, washing hands, increasing ventilation and wearing a face mask when necessary. “This virus is seasonal influenza similar to Flu waves in the country.” “There is insufficient evidence to declare an outbreak, however, we are carefully monitoring case numbers and community members are advised to take this seriously to protect themselves and their families.” The Flu Strain (H3N2) is also affecting other countries globally and can have more severe effects than previous flu strains particularly towards communities with low prior immunity. According to the NDoH, people most at risk include: Elderly (50 years and above) and young children (infants under 5 years being the most vulnerable) Individuals living with other medical conditions that weaken their immune system (Diabetes, HIV, TB, Cancer and other Chronic illnesses) Pregnant women Updates will be provided as the NDoH closely monitors the situation.

The Nawaeb District Development Authority (DDA) has officially launched the Finongan–Gafang–Bungki–Wawin Ring Road Project, a major initiative to improve access and development in Upper Erap in the Morobe province.The launch took place at Finongan Village on 6th January 2026. Fully funded by the DDA and contracted under Port, the project aims to connect remote communities and boost socio-economic growth. Local villagers actively led the opening ceremony, showing strong community ownership and partnership. The project is led by Nawaeb Open MP Theo Pelgen, whose vision is to “reach and connect the unreached.” The Ring Road will improve access to markets, health services, schools, and government services, while creating new economic opportunities for rural households. Mr. Pelgen said, “This road is more than just infrastructure, it is a lifeline that will connect our people, reduce isolation, and open doors for development across Upper Erap.” The DDA will continue working with communities, contractors, and stakeholders to ensure the road benefits the people in the long term.

The unity shown by the political leaders of Enga province in the face of illegal guns fueling tribal conflicts has been applauded by the prime minister, calling it a united stand on peace and law and order.The issue of illegal guns up in the highlands of Papua New Guinea (PNG) has been continuous, but the counter movement has been equally continuous as well, and with a unifying front now pushing for changes in Enga, it could yield some positive results going forward. Responding to a media publication on one of the daily newspapers, Prime Minister James Marape said the image of Enga’s leaders standing together sent a powerful message not only to the province, but to the entire nation. “As I woke up this morning in Davos and read the Post-Courier headline, the smile and unity reflected on that front page brought me genuine warmth,” Prime Minister Marape said.“It reminded me that leadership, humility and unity remain the strongest weapons we have against violence.”The Prime Minister particularly commended Enga Governor Sir Peter Ipatas, the new Police Minister Sir John Pundari, and former Kandep MP Don Polye for stepping forward together to place peace above political differences. “Greater is the man who makes submission to his fellow men,” Prime Minister Marape said. “God blesses humility. The Bible tells us, ‘Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.’ What we are witnessing in Enga today is leadership guided by that spirit.”Prime Minister Marape also appealed strongly to the people of Enga — particularly those who operate anonymously or seek to stir division between leaders — to allow the current leadership to do its work.The prime minister is currently in Davos, Switzerland for the 2026 World Economic Forum.

The Child Nutrition and Social Protection (CNSP) Project has set an ambitious target to reach 30,000 beneficiaries in 2026 as it enters a new phase focused on growth and decentralization.As of the end of 2025, the project had registered 10,812 beneficiaries across four participating provinces—East New Britain, Simbu, Western, and Madang provinces. The update was announced during the 2026 CNSP Component Management Unit 2 (CMU 2) Plenary Workshop, which opened in Port Moresby on Monday. The week-long workshop, held under the theme “Scale Back and Scale Up,” brings together national and provincial teams to review progress and plan implementation strategies for the year ahead. To support the expanded target, the Department for Community Development and Religion (DFCDR), as custodian of the CNSP Project’s CMU 2, signed a Service Level Agreement with MiBank. The agreement is aimed at strengthening decentralized project implementation at the sub-national level and improving the integration of Management Information System (MIS) data with MiBank beneficiary account records. DFCDR Secretary Jerry Ubase thanked MiBank for its continued support, saying the partnership would play a critical role in achieving the 2026 beneficiary target. He also acknowledged the efforts of provincial implementation teams and the national CMU 2 team for progress made to date. “From this year onwards, provincial teams will be scaled up, while the national team will focus on coordination to ensure effective implementation of the project,” Mr. Ubase said. Following a mid-term review conducted last year, the project expanded eligibility from children aged 0–2 years to 0–5 years. Quarterly cash grants were doubled from K30 to K60 per beneficiary, while the number of Community Development Workers (CDWs) increased to more than 140. Monthly allowances for CDWs were also raised from K400 to K600. CMU 2 Project Manager Joseph Klapat credited the Secretary’s leadership for the project’s achievements and outlined plans to progressively transfer responsibilities from the national level to provincial administrations. Workshop participants include Provincial Community Development Advisors, Provincial Project Coordinators, CDW Coordinators, Local-Level Government Managers, and national CMU 2 staff. Provincial coordinators presented reflections on 2025, highlighting achievements, challenges, and proposed strategies moving forward. The plenary workshop is expected to conclude on Friday with the finalization of national and provincial implementation plans and budgets for 2026.

Polling for the Dei Open by election in Western Highlands province began on Saturday, January 17th as scheduled with the election writs expected to be returned on February 20th.The Acting Electoral Commissioner, Mrs. Margaret Vagi confirmed this while calling on voters and candidates to remain calm and respectful throughout the polling and counting period. She urged everyone involved to follow proper legal processes to ensure a smooth and fair election. She said officers from the Papua New Guinea Electoral Commission (PNGEC) operations branch, training section and awareness team have been deployed to the electorate. They are supporting officers on the ground and working closely with Returning Officers (ROs) and Assistant Returning Officers (AROs) to ensure polling runs successfully. Mrs. Vagi also raised concern over reports of early campaigning for the 2027 National General Elections and warned candidates, political parties and supporters to stop the practice immediately. “Early campaigning for the NGE2027 is illegal and can cost a candidate or a party disqualification or fines under electoral and national laws,” Mrs. Vagi said. “Do not do early campaigning; this includes social media and online platforms as well. There are applicable laws that can be utilized and those defaulting candidates, parties and their supporters will be charged under relevant laws,” she said. Meanwhile, Mrs. Vagi said public awareness for the 2027 National General Elections has already started. Information messages will be shared through Facebook and the media, particularly on the National Broadcasting Corporation radio network. The Acting Electoral Commissioner is confident the government will fully fund PNGEC operations in 2026 as preparations continue for the 2027 National Elections.

Saltwater crocodiles lately have been seen along the Aroma Coast in the Central province where there have been instances of attacks, prompting action from locals as the area is fast becoming a regular hot spot for these extremely dangerous reptiles.According to a Community Leader Mr. Avis Vanua, several attacks by crocodiles cannot go unnoticed. “Yes, the crocodiles made several attacks; therefore, I came up with this initiative of placing the sign boards to warn people to stay out of danger zones,” he said. Mr. Vanua confirmed that he had approached several relevant government agencies to provide support in terms of funding the “Beach Crocodile Signage Warning Boards” initiative. “I am glad to have the support of the National Disaster Centre (NDC), the Disaster Risk Management (DRM) team, PNG Climate Change (PNGCC) and the Central Provincial Disaster and Emergency office. This support has made it possible for me to build and put up crocodile warning signage board,” he said. Mr. Vanua said the sign boards will stand to remind the Aroma people to take precaution when going to the beach. He also urged the good people of Aroma to look after the sign boards. The initiative is being supported by the Central Provincial Government through acting Provincial Administrator Mr. Bala Kapa and the East and West Aroma Local Level Government (LLG) in Abau District. Mr. Vanua said he would also consult PNG CCDA and CEPA to install VHF/UHF radios in Paramana to monitor and report any movements of crocodiles.

Local Level Government (LLG) leaders from across the Rabaul District in East New Britain province gathered today at the Malaguna Technical Secondary School Hall to begin a week-long induction program.This initiative, spearheaded by the East New Britain Provincial Administration (ENBPA) through the Division of District, LLGs, and Ward Affairs, is designed to equip leaders with the essential skills and knowledge needed to serve their communities effectively over the next five years. The training brings together a significant cohort of local leadership, including the Rabaul Town Mayor, three LLG Presidents, and 49 ward members. Joining them are their respective Ward Development Committees and ward recorders, ensuring that all levels of local governance are aligned. Under the theme “Resetting Fundamentals of Change, Transforming the Future,” the program focuses on empowering these leaders to master government systems and ethical leadership roles. Member for Rabaul Dr. Allan Marat, officially opened the proceedings by offering spiritual encouragement to the participants. Drawing from the biblical text of Jeremiah 1:5, Dr. Marat reminded the leaders that their roles were part of a divine plan. “You are special, before you were formed in your mother’s womb, God chose you and sanctified you,” Dr. Marat recited. “He knew you and had a plan for you.” He emphasized that they are not merely regular citizens, but visionary leaders chosen by God to guide the people, urging them to view their positions with a sense of sacred responsibility. Meanwhile, Deputy Provincial Administrator Danley Puapena also addressed the assembly, highlighting that this induction marks the final stage of the election process following several previous deferrals. He stressed that good governance and leadership are the primary drivers of development. Mr. Puapena urged the leaders to maintain high standards of integrity and conduct, noting that they must remain responsive to the specific needs and local contexts of their communities. The first day of the program covered a comprehensive range of topics, including the legal and policy frameworks governing LLGs, the Leadership Code, and the core values of ethical management. Participants also explored the structures and functions of ward governance and the practicalities of ward office management. The induction program is set to continue tomorrow, with further presentations scheduled from various ENBPA divisions and stakeholders.

It is common practice in most shops that has been going on for so long where when one uses an EFTPOS terminal for transactions to do purchases, there is always an accompanying fee for cashbacks, but this practice is illegal.The Independent Consumer and Competition Commission (ICCC) recently put out a public notice reminding consumers that they should not be paying these illegal fees. The public notice was put out after the ICCC received several consumer complaints, plus its own preliminary investigation revealed that to be true. The Commission descried this practice as unfair to consumers. “The public is advised to remain vigilant and report any shops that continues to charge fees for EFTPOS cash back transactions immediately, so that the matter can be investigated and necessary action taken against non- compliant businesses,” the Commission informed in the public notice. The ICCC also met with the BSP Financial Group Limited and Kina Bank Limited regarding this matter and both banks have agreed to work closely with the Commission to ensure all shops comply with the Merchant Agreement between the banks and the shops. BSP also put out a public notice of its own supporting the call from ICCC, expressing concern over this practice and urging its customers to report any unauthorized fees to Merchantservice@bsp.com.pg so that action can be taken as well by the bank on its merchants that do not comply. Consumers can also report or put their complaints to the ICCC on email Infor@iccc.gov.pg or complaints@icc.gov.pg.

Secretary for Education Dr Uke Kombra has reassured parents, teachers, and communities that high educational standards will continue, despite the phasing out of Grade 8 and 10 selections. Examinations and assessments will remain in place to measure student performance and provide data to improve teaching. Dr Kombra said the reform does not lower standards but ensures that students are not labelled as failures at a young age. FODE programs will continue to support students needing flexible schedules or additional learning options. “This reform is about giving every child the opportunity they deserve to reach their full potential. By removing selections at the end of Grade 8 and 10, we are taking a bold step towards a fairer and more inclusive education system. No parent with the right mind will want 73,500 of their 13- or 15-year-old children to be dropped out of school and labelled as failures,” Dr Kombra said. He acknowledged challenges in implementation but emphasized that with the support of parents, teachers, and stakeholders, the vision of a more equitable and modern education system is achievable. “Education reform is never easy, but it is necessary for the progress of our nation,” he concluded. The Department of Education will continue engagement programs, teacher orientations, and awareness campaigns to support smooth implementation of the reforms nationwide.

A record number of teams have come together in Wau-Waria district for the seven-day Wau-Waria Soccer Open League.More than 40 men’s teams and 8 women’s teams are competing, making it one of the biggest sports events in the area.Teams came from across the district and nearby local-level government areas, bringing communities together.The tournament is supported by the Youth Empowerment Program and the Wau-Waria District Development Authority.Coordinator Aaron Bimbo said the high number of teams shows growing interest in football and helps promote unity and healthy competition.Prize money also boosted participation, with K10,000 for the men’s winners and K5,000 for the women’s champions.Organizers say the event is more than football—it brings people together and strengthens community ties.

The Governor's Cup tournament held at Almami Local Level Government (LLG) in the Bogia District of Madang Province has progressed smoothly into its final stages.Tournament Master Donatus Walo said the games have been running well since the official kickoff by Madang Governor Ramsey Pariwa last Sunday.Walo acknowledged that organizers encountered minor challenges during the tournament but said these did not disrupt the overall success of the event.“We had a few challenges, but that will not stop us from running a successful tournament,” he said.He confirmed that the tournament has now reached the finals phase, with volleyball set to conclude today while soccer has advanced to the Top 16 stage.“The tournament is already at the finals. Soccer is now in the Top 16 while volleyball will have its finals today, and the games are expected to conclude this week,” Walo said.He appealed to participating teams to maintain discipline, respect match officials and uphold true sportsmanship to ensure the tournament ends successfully for Almami LLG.

The government’s free education policy will continue this year, with a significant increase in funding to support the education of children across Papua New Guinea.Secretary for Education, Dr. Uke Kombra, recently confirmed that the government has allocated K904 million for the policy in 2026 – a notable rise from K860 million in 2025 and K732 million in 2022. He emphasized that the increase in funding reflects the government's effort to provide equitable education opportunities to all children, whether they are from well-resourced or under-resourced provinces. “Over the last five years the tuition fees of government allocations for government free education have increased.” “This funding increase is essential to ensure that all students, irrespective of where they live or their family's financial situation, have a fair chance to attend school.” Dr. Kombra also thanked the government for its continued support of the policy, noting that while some provinces are better resourced, the free education initiative ensures that students across the country are supported equally. This policy is designed to bridge the gap between well-off and resource-limited provinces, ensuring access to education for all. “We want to ensure that every child, regardless of their geographical location or economic background, has the opportunity to receive an education.” The Department of Education has already received last year’s allocation of K860 million. Dr. Kombra assured that the department is working closely with the Treasury Department to ensure that the funds for this year are released promptly. While the free education policy will remain in place, Dr. Kombra revealed that there will be a few adjustments this year, including increased funding for FODE students, special education, and boarding students. The National Education Board has made these requests, and the changes are currently being reviewed. “Once the policy is signed off, we will provide further details on the adjustments.”