The National Department of Health (NDoH) has confirmed the first case of a child being paralyzed by poliomyelitis since the country declared a polio outbreak in May this year. NDoH Acting Health Secretary Ken Wai made the announcement during a press briefing on Thursday, alongside representatives from the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF. According to Mr. Wai, laboratory tests confirmed that a four-year-old unvaccinated child from Lae, Morobe Province, has developed acute flaccid paralysis as a result of the polio virus. This marks the first confirmed case of paralysis in a child since the resurgence of the disease in…
Author: Paula DAVID
The Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League (PNGRFL) has officially announced the departure of Andrew Hill, Chief Executive Officer of the PNG NRL Bid, who will take on a new role as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Panthers Group in Australia. Mr. Hill, who was appointed to lead PNG’s historic bid to join the National Rugby League (NRL) in May 2022, played a pivotal role in securing the country’s successful entry into the competition. His leadership culminated in the establishment of the PNG NRL Franchise, announced on December 12, 2024, with preparations now underway for the team’s debut in 2028.…
The Papua New Guinea Football Association (PNGFA) has praised the national U16 men’s team for their determined and spirited showing at the OFC U16 Championship, following a hard-fought 2-0 semi-final loss to New Zealand. Despite the defeat, the young Kapuls impressed with their tenacity, matching New Zealand’s intensity and creating scoring opportunities throughout the match. Their disciplined defense and flashes of attacking creativity highlighted the progress of youth football in PNG, earning admiration both at home and abroad. PNGFA General Secretary Ahmjad Tekwie said that these players represent the future of PNG football. “The lessons from this campaign are invaluable,…
Andrew Hill has officially stepped down as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Papua New Guinea (PNG) NRL Bid after more than three years at the helm of the project. His departure comes as he takes on a new role as Chief Executive Officer of the Panthers Group, one of Australia’s most prominent sporting organizations. Hill, who has played a central role in advancing PNG’s bid and related projects since early 2021, confirmed he will step down to pursue a new opportunity closer to home in Australia. “This journey has been an extraordinary and humbling experience,” Hill said in…
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority of Papua New Guinea (CASA PNG) is hosting its 10th Aviation and Security Conference bringing together key stakeholders in the sector to share updates on safety trends, regulatory progress, and future plans for national aviation development. The annual conference is being held at the APEC Haus in Port Moresby city from the 27th-28th August and serves as a platform for communication and collaboration between regulators and operators. This year’s gathering was particularly significant as it aligns with Papua New Guinea’s 50th Independence Anniversary and reflects the nation’s aviation achievements over the past five decades. “This…
A nationwide polio vaccination campaign is underway across the National Capital District (NCD), with health teams already reaching more than 68,000 children under the age of 10 since the rollout began last week Monday. The campaign, led by the NCD Provincial Health Authority (NCDPHA), aims to immunize 152,095 children across the city’s three districts, covering 28 health facilities, schools, and surrounding communities. NCDPHA Health Extension Officer (HEO) & Acting Deputy Director of Public Health-Family Health Services, Janet Pongone, confirmed that 120 teams are on the ground, delivering oral polio vaccines in both public and private settings. “As of Friday, last…
Air Niugini has unveiled a striking commemorative livery on its first Airbus A220 aircraft, celebrating Papua New Guinea’s 50th Independence Anniversary in bold, symbolic fashion. Dubbed the “People’s Balus”, the aircraft features a vibrant design that incorporates the national flag and the official 50th Independence Anniversary logo. The livery serves as both a tribute to the country’s rich cultural heritage and a statement of optimism for its future. The elaborate paintwork was completed at the Airbus facility in Mirabel, Canada, where 120 skilled painters worked around the clock in three shifts. The design used 11 distinct colours and employed advanced…
South Pacific (SP) Brewery, a cornerstone of Papua New Guinea’s (PNG) cultural and economic development since its establishment in 1951, has officially launched its national campaign, “Born & Raised,” in celebration of the country’s upcoming 50th Independence Anniversary. SP Brewery Managing Director, Ed Weggemans, reflected on the brewery’s deep connection to PNG’s identity and milestones over the past seven decades. “With all its diversity, there are only a few things that truly bring Papua New Guineans together; SP Lager is one of those few.” “From the first locally hosted Pacific Games in 1969, to the historic raising of our national…
The Teaching Service Commission (TSC) has officially approved the establishment of Gobo All-Girls School of Excellence in the Jimi Electorate of Jiwaka Province, with 20 teaching positions validated and approved under the Secondary Salary Structure. This development follows a formal request from the Office of the Minister for Civil Aviation and Member for Jimi, Wake Goi, proposing the full establishment and operation of the school by the 2026 academic year. According to TSC Commissioner Operations, Mr. Maini Mike Ugaia, the Commission has received and acknowledged the minister’s letter, confirming the approval of 20 vacant teaching positions for the school. “This…
Kopkop College in Port Moresby city hosted a vibrant cultural food event on Friday, August 15, highlighting the importance of heritage, unity in diversity, and intergenerational knowledge-sharing as part of the school’s celebrations for Papua New Guinea’s 50th Independence Anniversary. The event, themed “United in Diversity – One Culture, One People,” is part of a three-part school-wide program designed to foster cultural appreciation among students, parents, and staff through traditional storytelling, food, and dance. Lower Secondary School Principal Frederick Raka explained that the traditional food showcase was the second event in the series, launched earlier this year. “Food plays a…