NCDC City Hall has assured business houses, vehicle owners, drivers, commuters, and other road users that the full rehabilitation of the Waigani Drive to Gerehu Casio Circle (roundabout) is progressing well. The road work costs the National Capital District Commission (NCDC) K24million and is expected to be completed by November this year. NCD Governor Powes Parkop said controlling the heavy traffic whilst working on the road corridor by the contractor Global Constructions Limited was not an easy job, but the construction work is halfway through. Governor Parkop said compared to a 12-night asphalt overlaying work by Hebou on the Boroko Drive, the scope for Waigani Drive was full rehabilitation. This means earth works, pavements, pipe replacements, drainage and sealing. He added that the road was sealed more than 20 years ago so it has reached its lifespan. Meanwhile, Governor Parkop said NCDC has engaged a handful of contractors working on several other roads citywide to ease traffic congestion and lift the landscape of both Motu Koitabu villages and the city. They include Koki’s Haley Parade, PX compound at 6-Mile, NPF compound, Baruni Village road, Tatana village crossway road and Gerehu four-lane road. Gerehu four-lane road is not completed yet on time due to delay in relocation of power poles and lines. Governor Parkop added that local contractors were maintaining existing roads and drainages to high standards with quality materials day and night to avoid repeat of flash flooding on the roads and drainages in future.

Kokoda Track Foundation (KTF), an Australian Non-Government Organization (NGO), celebrated 20 years of collaboration and assistance to remote and rural communities in Papua New Guinea (PNG) this week. Founded in 2003, KTF is dedicated to improving the lives, livelihoods and futures of Papua New Guinea (PNG) people and communities via programs in education, health, equality and leadership. With 3.6km separating the two nations, PNG and Australia are nearest neighbours who hold a special bond that was forged in the crucible of war, 81 years ago. The legacy of the Kokoda Track campaign lives on today as a testament to the courage, resilience, and sacrifice of those who fought and died in the jungles of the Owen Stanley Ranges. It is a reminder of the horrors of war and the incredible strength of the human spirit and it serves as a beacon of hope for all those who believe in the power of courage and determination. Inspired by this courage, sacrifice, endurance and mateship, a small group of Australians set out to establish and grow a tangible pathway for Australians to give back to the people of PNG. The Kokoda Track Foundation was born on ANZAC Day in 2003 with a mission to lend a hand to our nearest neighbour, to honour the sacrifices of the Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels, and to keep alive the spirit of Kokoda. All the smiles and celebrations will be at KTF’s 20th anniversary event in Sydney today Friday 28th April, where long-time supporters, board members, staff, volunteers, donors and partners will gather to celebrate the milestone. Esteemed guests will include KTF’s Chair, Ian Kemish AM (who served as Australian High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea from 2010-2013 and has had a diplomatic career that has spanned twenty-five years); KTF co-founder and Chair from 2006 - 2016, Patrick Lindsay AM (Patrick is one of Australia’s leading non-fiction authors, broadcasters, filmmakers and public speakers, and has written extensively about Kokoda, Gallipoli, Fromelles and the spirit of the Digger); the Honourable Dadi Toka (Chairman of the Motu Koita Assembly and Deputy Governor of the National Capital District, PNG); and KTF CEO and co-founder, Dr Genevieve Nelson. Adjunct Professor Kemish said that from KTF has grown and has a presence right across Papua New Guinea. “We are proud of the journey of changing lives over the past 20 years - from our presence in health and education along and around the Kokoda Track, to our establishment of the Kokoda College, to lighting up tens of thousands of homes across the country, and to expanding to significant hubs in Western and New Ireland Provinces.” The Australian home-grown NGO started by offering a scholarship program for children from along the Kokoda Track. Between the years 2003 - 2009, KTF supported 2,000 scholarships for children to attend primary and secondary schools and some university scholarships. Today, KTF is a holistic development NGO with hubs and Colleges in Australia, Port Moresby, Kokoda, Manari, Sanananda, Balimo, Lake Murray, Morehead, Hanuabada and Lihir. Kokoda Track Foundation CEO Dr Genevieve Nelson said that 20 years is an extraordinary milestone and they are proud of it. “This week we are celebrating all that has been achieved through so many great partnerships and we pay tribute to the network of dedicated people who make up the family of KTF.” “I am so grateful to the staff, directors, volunteers, donors and partners of KTF who have supported so many high-impact projects for two decades.” “The KTF family is keeping the spirit of Kokoda alive, 81 years on.” KTF’s impact over the past 20 years includes: • Trained 3,685 elementary teachers across 14 provinces, supporting 150,000 children to remain in the formal schooling system. • Supported more than 2,500 students on second-chance FODE education pathways. • Built the Kokoda College; and supported the establishment and delivery of the academic program across 8 other Colleges and outreach programs in Central Province, Western Province, NCD and New Ireland Province. • 150 schools supported with resourcing, technology and coaching for teachers. • Delivered ongoing in-service and professional development to 278 trainers who support 6,000+ teachers. • Built and supported the operations of 8 schools along and around the Kokoda Track. • Delivered primary healthcare to a catchment population of 108,000+ people for a decade via the operations of 17 aid posts, health centres and hospitals and the running of integrated health patrols. • Supported 53 health facilities in Oro Province with solar infrastructure, staffing, drugs and medical resources and/or operating costs. • Supported 36 community health workers to train and/or deliver primary healthcare across Oro Province and the Kokoda Track. • Distributed over half a million kits of WASH and PPE resources during the COVID-19 pandemic. • 100+ survivors of family and sexual violence have been supported at Oro Province’s only safe house. • Installed household solar lighting and energy systems onto 13,000 homes across remote and rural PNG, lighting up the lives of 65,000 people, and improving education, health, safety and happiness • 13 years of finding and fostering the next generation of leaders via the Archer Leaders Development Program, which now has alumni of 90+ young leaders. KTF will continue its 20th anniversary celebrations throughout the year including via a Kokoda trek in July with senior staff and directors where they will officially open new infrastructure at the Mt KoiariFODE Centre and hold a celebration in Kokoda village at the Kokoda College. KTF is grateful to the many partners and donors who have supported its work over 20 years. KTF is grateful to: PNG Sustainable Development Program, Australian Government (via ANCP, PawarimKomuniti, Team Up and the Kokoda Initiative), PNG Government, Newcrest Sustainability Fund, Bill and Liz James, Mundango Abroad, Web of Hope Foundation, the Fred P. Archer Trust, Kina Bank, Puma Energy Foundation, Schneider Electric Foundation, Little Hearts Learning, Canadian High Commission via the Canada Fund, RSL & Services Clubs, Ashurst, Rotary, the Kokoda trekking industry, and the many generous individuals and organisations who have been a part of the journey.

A total of 45 youths from the Boroko suburb in Port Moresby are currently undergoing a 5 day youth empowerment and transformation training at the City Hall. The project is an initiative of the National Capital District (NCD) Board and the National Capital District Commission (NCDC) and aims at achieving a clean, safe, healthy and planned Boroko. After the youth empowerment and transformation training, these youths will be working at Boroko Central Business Centre to maintain cleanliness and monitor the movement of residents to make sure that people, especially women and girls feel safe to move around freely without any form of harassment. The youths will be expected to report daily on the work they carry out under the Commission’s Compliance Directorate and the Waste Management Division. NCDC has provided employment opportunities for these youths. They will be given three months probationary period to perform their duties effectively and efficiently in keeping Boroko clean and safe. Director Compliance Ms Amanda Binoka told the youths during the induction to embrace the opportunity given to them. “As youths from Boroko, this is your opportunity to take ownership and prove to us that, yes, you all want to be part of this transformation project.” “The success of this project will be a great story for us to tell when we look back on the journey we took to achieve a clean, safe, healthy and planned Boroko Precinct.’’ Director of Community and Social Services, Ms Janet Haua, encouraged the youths to work together with the team from NCDC. “You all are representing NCDC when you are out there carrying out your duties, and we expect you all to do your job professionally.” The youths will be given uniforms, vests, and safety boots when they graduate at the end of this week. They must have an ID card and a BSP Bank account each for the disbursement of their fortnightly wages.

Most rural areas around the country lack the number of doctors available to serve the people at their local health centers. President for Rural Doctors, Dr Kiaufuli Hongande said that there are a number of factors that affect recruiting and retaining a doctor in the rural areas. There are 4 factors that will act as pull factors to for rural doctors; • Professional Development Opportunities – Provide opportunities for rural doctors to further their studies. • Good Financial Incentives – Added bonus that will help maintain rural doctors • Deep Satisfaction – The feeling of being appreciated, respected by the community • Social Amenities - Access to good housing, banks, schools etc “When rural doctors are taken care off well, they stay in the rural areas.” “There are also other factors such as the heart or a religious conviction to go serve in the rural areas.” “When people have good doctors in their areas, people must nurture them and take care of them.” He added that people that are sent to work in the rural areas must have the passion to serve the people. He further added that Managers must be fair and treat their employees well. The Minister for Health & HIV/AIDS, Dr Lino Tom said that rural doctors must not forget their humble beginnings, noting that a bulk of the health work in country is done by rural doctors. “After training mi bin go bek na wok long ol rural health facilities wankain olsem yupla so ol problem wea yupla wok long toktok long em, mi klia stret (After training I went back and worked at rural health facilities like you so I know about the problems that you are facing).” He said that rural doctors are the real heroes in the country by delivering quality health services with hardly any facilities available to them. “I want to thank the prime minister for increasing the health budget and giving us K121million for the health workforce.” In terms of workforce in the rural areas, Dr Lino said they are doing a workforce audit. They are also doing infrastructure audit to see where who is working, what facilities they have and how they are providing health care  

Head of Police Crimes Division, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Hodges Ette has said that there is no need for a new law to guide the use of drug machines for the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary's (RPNGC) Forensic services. ACP Ette was responding to an article in the daily newspapers titled, ‘Law to guide use of new drug machine’ saying this is a miss-statement. “We don’t need a new law, all we need is an internal policy mechanism that will regulate the use of the machine.” “There are laws available to regulate its use including section 14 of the Police Act, which allows the Police Commissioner to enquire into certain matters at his discretion and that covers all functions of the constabulary.” “I’d like to inform our people that Deputy Police Commissioner Administration Joanne Clarkson has issued a directive for a policy document to regulate drug machine use and our policy team has already begun the drafting.” “This policy will cover the usage and the need for testing police officers if they are accused of drug abuse, recruitment or employer requirements and other suspects cases as and when need arises.” “Also, we will have to inform the judiciary and magisterial services that we have new capabilities that they may find themselves looking at in our (police) files.”  

Malaria has always been a leading cause of illness and death in the country with more than 90% of Papua New Guineans at risk from getting Malaria. This was revealed during the commemoration of World Malaria Day on 25th April, by the National Department of Health at the Kerea Primary School at the Vanapa Brown Local Level Government (LLG) in the Central province. This year the theme is, ‘Deliver Zero Malaria: Invest, innovate and Implement.’ The school was chosen because the school was in an area that is one of the worst Malaria Hit areas in the Country. The National Department of Health Malaria Program Coordinator, Mr. Leo Makita delivered the keynote speech on behalf of the Minister for Health & HIV/AIDS Dr. Lino Tom. He said that Malaria is an old pandemic that continues to cause death and devastation here in the country. Makita said that Malaria is a deadly disease which is transmitted by mosquitoes and rural populations are most vulnerable where access to health services is difficult. In the Western Pacific Region, Papua New Guinea (PNG) has the highest malaria burden where children and pregnant women are most likely to get very sick and die if they are not diagnosed early and treated effectively. Makita added that Malaria is a preventable illness and can be avoided by sleeping under a mosquito net and taking steps to avoid mosquitoes breeding and getting bitten by mosquitoes. Rotarians Against Malaria (RAM) Programme Manager, Tim Freeman said they are proud to be the biggest implementing partner of the National Department of Health’s National Malaria Control Program. “Malaria thrives in warm temperatures and is therefore the worst in coastal areas of PNG.” “As you go higher, malaria gets less and less and then disappears at high altitudes in districts such as Kandep in Enga.” “If you have fever, chills, headaches and joint pains, you should go to a health worker and get tested for malaria. If you have malaria, you should take full treatment given to ensure you get well.” Freeman highlighted that over the last 13 years RAM has worked together with NDOH to distribute nets to all villages. RAM also works closely with Provincial Health Authorities to ensure that the malaria program reaches every village and family in the country. In addition to household distribution, RAM also distributed nets to pregnant women through health centres. Freeman further stated that the biggest problem with treating malaria in the country is that people live long distances from the a health facility, so they have come up with a new program where village volunteers are trained on how to test and treat malaria, so it is accessible to all people in remote areas. This program is present in 10 provinces and is expanding.

Airways Hotel & Residences has come onboard as a sponsor for the Digicel PNG Foundation Men of Honour Awards for the 7th season. The Men of Honour Campaign is a peace building initiative by Digicel PNG Foundation that focuses on positive behavior with the aim to break the cycle of violence in Papua New Guinea (PNG). So far, the Men of Honour Campaign has awarded 95 men across the nation on the outstanding work they are doing in their communities to build peace and address drivers of violence in their community. Three ambassadors will be selected from each of the four regions, with one ‘Unsung Hero’ award going to an ambassador from each region. Airways Hotel & Residences Group General Manager Robert O’Brien said Airways is proud to partner with Digicel Foundation with a sponsorship worth K35, 000. He said Airways will provide accommodation with meals to the 12 Men of Honour ambassadors selected from across the four regions for three nights. O’Brien said this partnership compliments what Airways has been doing in the workplace in promoting gender equality and addressing violence. ‘‘There is value in investing as a supporting partner to this program.” “We would also be interested in providing ongoing support including adopting the program concept and messaging by localizing it within the Airways Group.’’ Meanwhile, Digicel PNG Foundation Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Serena Sasingian, was pleased to welcome Airways Hotel & Residences for taking up the responsibility to accommodate the Men of Honour ambassadors during their stay in Port Moresby. “We are delighted to have Airways come on board as a sponsor to support the Men of Honour Campaign.” “We are grateful for the partnership we have with companies in the private sector that not only want to sponsor the Men of Honour, but champion the message within their company.” “We thank Airways Hotel & Residences for their contribution and look forward to working together.’’ The Men of Honour Awards will be hosted in Port Moresby on 3 May 2023.

Two SP PNG Hunters have been rewarded for their outstanding performances in the opening 6 rounds of the QRL Hostplus Cup. Hunters centre, Rodrick Tai and fullback Morea Morea have both been invited to train with The Dolphins NRL squad over the next month as they continue their rugby league development. Tai, who spent the offseason in Redcliffe under the watchful eye of Wayne Bennett, rejoins The Dolphins training squad this week on the back of a compelling start to the Hostplus Cup season. The strike centre has two tries and an average 129 running metres from four games this year to consistently be one of the Hunters best. While at just 21 years old, Morea joins Tai at The Dolphins this week in what will be his first taste of NRL-level coaching. The young fullback has been a revelation for the Hunters in season 2023 with four tries, four assists and 126 average running metres from five appearances. He has a raw talent and will benefit greatly from training alongside NRL household names like Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Jamayne Isaako. Both Morea and Tai will train fulltime with The Dolphins NRL squad over the next month while lining up for the SP PNG Hunters in the QRL Hostplus Cup on the weekends.  

Kenyan police have exhumed 47 bodies near the coastal town of Malindi, as they investigate a preacher said to have told followers to starve to death. The bodies of children were among the dead. Police said exhumations are ongoing. The shallow graves are in Shakahola forest, where 15 members of the Good News International Church were rescued last week. Church leader, Paul Makenzie Nthenge is in custody, pending a court appearance. State broadcaster KBC described him as a "cult leader", and reported that 58 graves have so far been identified. One of the graves is believed to contain the bodies of five members of the same family - three children and their parents. Mr Nthenge has denied wrongdoing, but has been refused bail. He insists that he shut down his church in 2019. He allegedly told followers to starve themselves in order to "meet Jesus". Kenyan daily, The Standard, said pathologists will take DNA samples and conduct tests to determine whether the victims died of starvation. Police arrested Mr Nthenge on 15 April after discovering the bodies of four people suspected of having starved themselves to death. Victor Kaudo of the Malindi Social Justice Centre told Citizen TV "when we are in this forest and come to an area where we see a big and tall cross, we know that means more than five people are buried there". Kenyan interior minister, Kithure Kindiki, said all 800 acres of the forest had been sealed off and declared a crime scene. Mr Nthenge allegedly named three villages Nazareth, Bethlehem and Judea and baptised followers in ponds before telling them to fast, The Standard reports. Kenya is a religious country and there have been previous cases of people being lured into dangerous, unregulated churches or cults. Source: BBC

Christian Health Services (CHS) Papua New Guinea (PNG) opened their 4 day 53rd General Assembly Conference today in the city of Port Moresby. This conference is where the General Assembly Council Members and Executive Board members meet to discuss important issues, developments, challenges and possible avenues in providing primary health care services to the rural population in the country. With the Theme: Recapturing Christ’s Vision and Mission in the Delivery of Quality Health Services. The National Department of Health Deputy Secretary, Mr. Ken Wai officially opened the conference and thanked CHS for the work that they do in the rural areas. “Your personal efforts, your leadership efforts, your management efforts are being recognised by the government.” “You will now be rewarded so keep up the good work.” “We (Health Department) will continue to support you, but remember that you are not a public servant, you are mission workers.” He said that even though now staff of CHS will be on payroll, they are still expected to continue working in the rural areas. He added that CHS must work together with NDOH to implement the National Health Plan 2021 – 2023. He further added that CHS must continue to carry out their TB programs and other routine immunization programs. There will be discussions and presentations done by the government bodies and donors as well as stake holders over the next few days of the conference.

Brisbane produced their most clinical first half performance of the season before fending off a late Eels comeback to win 26-16 in Darwin on Friday night. The Broncos ran in four tries in the opening 40 minutes to set up a 22-6 lead with the combination of halves Adam Reynolds and Ezra Mam running riot on the back of a strong platform set by Payne Haas and Pat Carrigan up front early. The ladder leaders then controlled the game in the second half with a further two penalty goals ruling out any chance of an Eels comeback despite two tries in five minutes giving the home side a sniff. Parramatta were coming off a five-day turnaround which appeared to play a part in their lacklustre performance in humid conditions that soon turned torrential at TIO Stadium. The Eels were under the pump from the opening with the visitors taking a 6-0 lead through a try via Herbie Farnworth following a Sean Russell mistake in the air. Brad Arthur's men bounced back with a try of their own off the boot with Clint Gutherson showing his soccer skills to pick up and collect a ball in the in-goal. That was where the end-to-end tussle essentially ended, however, with the Broncos piling on three tries in nine minutes to set up a 16-point lead. It all started with Reynolds finishing off a Mam flick pass for a try before Kotoni Staggs kept a Reece Walsh kick alive to hit it back to Mam for a four-pointer of his own. Reynolds, who had the ball on a string all evening, then set up Staggs with a kick across field that had the perfect bounce for the Broncos centre to go over.   Source: NRL.com

Western Highlands Provincial Health Authority has had an increase in women coming forward for cervical cancer screen at the Mt Hagen Provincial Hospital. Cervical Cancer is caused by the human papillomavirus which is passed from one person to another through sexual encounters. Director of Curative Services, Dr Paulus Ripa said that the screening program has been in operation since May 2022 during which over 2,500 women have been screened. “The Clinic has 8 GeneXpert Machines and they can use 4 machines at the same time to test specimens.” “The Clinic is swamped with people coming in and they see about 60-70 women in a day.” “They come in the morning sit through an awareness session, they are screened then they are given their self swapping kits where the women do the swabs themselves and the specimen is given to our staff to run the test.” Dr Ripa said their results are ready in 90 minutes and the women that are negative for the human papillomavirus are sent home and told to come back in 5 years for screening again. "About 15% of the women that come forward for screening are found to be positive for HPV and they undergo treatment right away." "From the screening, 2% of the women have evidence of cancer in the cervix." He highlighted that it is important for women between the ages of 30-60 years old to go to the clinic for free screening. The Provincial Health Authority has an outreach program where specially fitted trucks go out to the communities and conduct screening for women and girls in the area. This outreach program is done every second week where they screen about 200 women. Dr Ripa added that in the past not much awareness on Cervical cancer and screening was conducted however, the women in the communities are informed as word of mouth is spreading through the women groups that have come in for screening. "Screening is open not only to women in Western Highlands but women in surrounding provinces are more than welcome."