On this year’s International St John Day (24 June 2025), the National St John Ambulance (NStJA) has reflected on its growing impact across Papua New Guinea, highlighting a major milestone of nearly 140,000 emergency responses since January 2018. The organization reported a total of 139,997 emergency cases attended to over the past seven years, delivering life-saving medical care to individuals in both urban and rural communities across the country. Each emergency response tells a story of help arriving in time — from women affected by violence to mothers in labour, children suffering from serious illness, and countless others in need…
Author: Aseneth WAIDE
The National St John Ambulance Council (NStJA) today (Tuesday 24th June 2025) recognized the exceptional dedication and courage of its hardworking staff during a significant award ceremony held at Sir John Guise Indoor stadium, Port Moresby – an event coinciding with the global observance of International St John Day. The event was officiated by His Excellency, Grand Chief Sir Bob Bofeng Dadae, GCL, GCMG, KStJ, Governor General of Papua New Guinea and esteemed President of the National St John Council. In attendance were Minister for Health, Elias Kapavore, NStJA Council Board Chair Mr Isikeli Taureka, as well as former and…
With RSPCA PNG gearing up for its annual Charity Golf Tournament at the Royal Port Moresby Golf Club, businesses across Papua New Guinea are being encouraged to trade the office for the golf course in support of animal welfare. Scheduled for Friday, August 8th, the event presents a chance for companies to demonstrate their commitment to social responsibility while contributing to crucial fundraising efforts for RSPCA PNG’s Community Outreach Program. With stray animals and pet welfare issues on the rise, the event underscores the importance of community-led solutions and education. The tournament follows a four-person Ambrose format and includes challenges…
While most university students spent their semester breaks either in school or with family and friends, this was not the case for young Shivonnie Sakme, a Law student at the University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG) who sought out voluntary work with QueenPads. Throughout the month of June QueenPads, visited schools in Alotau District, Milne Bay Province to bring awareness on menstrual health and hygiene. Sakme is an advocate for menstrual health and hygiene. Raised in remote areas of Papua New Guinea, she witnessed firsthand the challenges women face in accessing basic menstrual hygiene products. A visit to her father’s…
You might think a fun run is just about fitness or fundraising—but it’s much more than that. Especially in Papua New Guinea, where the Trukai Fun Run is not just an event, but a national tradition. Here are five life lessons you can take away from lacing up and joining in. 1. You Don’t Have to Be Fast to Move Forward Think about life; everyone moves at their own pace. Progress matters more than speed. You’ll see people of all ages and abilities taking part—from energetic teens to adults in sandals. What unites them isn’t how quickly they finish, but…
The Trukai Fun Run kicked off this morning and in Port Moresby city, participants were up as early as 5AM and converged at the Sir Hubert Murray Stadium, a decent turnout. Also present at the event was NCD Governor Powes Parkop. Governor Parkop, thanked the corporate entities, government departments and state-owned entities who took the time to attend Trukai Fun Run 2025. He also acknowledged the support of Trukai Industries Limited over the years for supporting the communities, and also the role they’ve played in supporting PNG’ athletes. Meanwhile, the younger participants later took pictures with the Trukai mascots Tru…
As part of its continued commitment to education across Papua New Guinea, Theodist Limited recently donated 25 desks and 25 chairs to St. Mary’s Inaui Primary School in Central Province, helping to create a more comfortable and effective learning space for students as well as ease the pressure on teachers. The donation was officially handed over during a ceremony attended by Members of Parliament, Government Ministers, Department Secretaries, parents, teachers, and students. The event also marked the launch of several other important community projects in the area. Speaking at the ceremony, Theodist CEO Mr. Kumar Baliah shared the company’s motivation…
Beliefs in sorcery has led to widespread violence known as Sorcery Accusation Related Violence (SARV), which often affects and women and other vulnerable individuals in Sumbu Province – part of this is due to the lack of scientific and medical education in local communities, which leaves communities relying on supernatural explanations for illness and death. In rural areas where access to modern healthcare is limited, many illnesses and sudden deaths are blamed on witchcraft, leading to brutal mob attacks and even killings. The lack of death certificates and proper medical records make it difficult to understand the true causes of death.…
First time in Port Moresby? You probably heard stories about it being unsafe and all. Well, I hate to break it to you, but it can be true if you don’t take a moment to get street-smart! Here’s 12 common sense and safety tips to help you navigate the city: 1. Get to Know Your Environment Familiarize yourself with your neighbourhood, regular faces, local shops, and safe zones. Know which areas are riskier during certain hours—and avoid them. 2. Establish Relationships Make friends in your area—security guards, neighbours, local vendors. Find common ground in conversation to build a sense of…
In the Simbu province of Papua New Guinea’s Highlands, where accusations of sorcery continue to claim lives and destroy families, the Catholic Church is playing a critical role in confronting violence and promoting peace through faith-based initiatives. Caritas Simbu, responded to 25 cases of Sorcery Accusation Related Violence (SARV) in 2024 alone. According to local Diocesan Caritas Coordinator Judy Gelua, these incidents often involve gruesome mob attacks, particularly targeting women. Many cases go unreported due to fear and lack of support in remote communities. Bishop Paul Sundu, head of the Catholic Diocese of Kundiawa explained that the violence goes beyond superstitious…