Lae doctor Joseph Garap says cancer is rising fast in Papua New Guinea (PNG), and too many people are dying because they get help too late. Dr Garap has worked at Angau Memorial General Hospital for over 20 years. He said most cancer patients arrive when the disease is already at a dangerous stage. He once ran a mobile cancer clinic using his own money to spread awareness in rural areas. He gave out calendars with messages for school children. But the program ended due to lack of funding. “Cancer drugs and treatment are too expensive,” he said. “We need…
Author: Martha LOUIS
Ragiampun village in Markham District, Morobe, is celebrating after receiving new cocoa seedlings from Unitech’s SPISARD program. Youth leader Alois Yudah said villagers were happy. “The seedlings will help improve our cocoa and support our families,” he said. Recently, the team gave out 40 hybrid cocoa varieties to farmers in Ragiampun, Tumua, Wafimampun, Zumangurun, Intzir, and Ragidumpiat. These new seedlings are stronger, disease-resistant, and produce better beans, helping farmers grow more and earn more. The program also includes training on how to care for the seedlings and manage cocoa farms. Villagers hope that with these efforts, Markham District will become…
Heart screening in Lae city this week has found many children with heart problems, with doctors warning that young patients in PNG often arrive at hospital too late. Department of Health paediatrician, Dr Cornelia Kilalang, said many families don’t realize how common childhood heart disease is. Some cases are present from birth, while others develop after simple throat infections turn into rheumatic heart disease. “Heart surgery is one of the most difficult operations,” she said. “We stop the heart and lungs and use a machine to keep the patient alive. But too many children come too late. The key is…
Papua New Guinea has just one heart scan machine – a portable ultrasound that checks how the heart works and looks for problems like birth defects or damage from rheumatic heart disease. Dr Cornelia Kilalang, chief paediatrician at the Department of Health, said the shortage is putting children’s lives at risk. “Right now, PNG only has one. That’s not enough,” she said. She stressed that major hospitals like Angau in Lae city need more machines and trained staff to give young patients a real chance at survival. Early signs of heart problems include babies who sweat or get tired while…
Lae city police are investigating a sexual assault incident at the Papua New Guinea University of Technology (PNGUOT) that went viral on social media, with four male students as possible suspects. Lae Police Metropolitan Commander, Superintendent Chris Kunyanba, said the Students Representative Council has not formally reported the case yet. Still, police have identified four suspects during early inquiries. “We are working with the SRC, campus security, and university management to stop such incidents,” Kunyanba said. Investigators are collecting evidence and interviewing witnesses. Once the suspects are confirmed, arrests will follow. “Students will be treated like any other citizens under…
Power outages in Lae are making it easier for criminals to strike, police warn. Lae city police boss, Superintendent Chris Kunyanba said criminals take advantage of dark streets to break into homes and shops. “We use torches during patrols because the street lights aren’t working, which makes it harder to keep people safe,” he said. Residents should lock up tight, avoid going out at night, and report anything suspicious right away. “If we all work together, we can keep Lae safer during these blackouts,” Kunyanba added. Police are ready and watching closely as the power problems continue.
Ramu Valley Secondary School in Usino-Bundi in the Madang province has made history with its first Grade 12 class sitting the national written expression exam. The school opened in 2013 with just one classroom and two teachers — Mr. Dion and Mrs. Ceslyn Dion. It became a high school in 2014, graduating its first Grade 10s in 2018. Last year saw its first Grade 11s, and this year marks its first Grade 12s. The school now has 15 teachers and 10 classes. Deputy Principal Administration, Mrs. Ceslyn Dion, said the moment was a proud one. “It has been a journey…
Lae City will hold its second Rosso Lae Community Clean-a-thon from September 5 to 7, aiming to build on the success of its first large-scale clean-up earlier this year. The event, led by community members, brought thousands together in May to clean public spaces across the city. It was widely praised for encouraging civic pride and positive action. Clean-a-thon organizer Michael Earley said the upcoming event will again involve schools, churches, businesses, and local residents. He hopes to see the initiative become a quarterly activity from 2026. “I’ll be pushing for Honorable John Rosso, our MP and Deputy Prime Minister,…
Health workers from Papua New Guinea (PNG), the United States, and Australia are joining forces to bring free care to families near Igam Barracks in Lae city. The event is part of Pacific Partnership 2025, a program that sends doctors and nurses across the Pacific to support local health services. People came for eye checks, dental treatment, CPR lessons and women’s health education. Commander Krystal Chunaco, a US Navy nurse, said it’s about building strong friendships through health. “We’re not just treating people. We’re learning from each other and creating lasting connections,” she said. Dental teams from four countries —…
A police officer in Madang has been charged with the murder of his 22-year-old wife, Christel Salengwan, following an alleged domestic violence incident at their home in Sagalau, just outside Madang town. Madang Acting Provincial Police Commander, Superintendent Robert Baim, confirmed the arrest and said the officer has been suspended from duty. “No one is above the law,” Baim stated. “I will not tolerate any form of compensation when a life is lost.” The officer, who is serving under the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary, has appeared before the National Court and was released on bail as police investigations continue.…