With support from developing partners, the national Department of Health lunched today the National Health Digital Strategy 2025-2023, the Provincial Health Authority (PHA) Digital Toolkits, the national ICT Policy 2024-230 and the certification presentation of PNG’s Elimination of Trachoma ceremony. Minister for Health Elias Kapavore began by thanking key partners — including WHO, the Australian High Commission, World Bank, Asian Development Bank, and other donors — for their continued support. He urged all PHA leaders to work together to ensure vital medical services are accessible and that every patient receives the care they deserve. He emphasized that during the three-day…
Author: Paula DAVID
With child malnutrition and violence at alarming levels in Papua New Guinea, a new partnership between UNICEF and the Papua New Guinea Council of Churches (PNGCC) aims to bring hope and action to families across the country. UNICEF’s Dr Veera Mendonca says the country is at a tipping point with over 80% of children face violence at home, half are malnourished, and too many lack access to vaccines and basic services. In response, UNICEF and PNGCC have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to mobilize churches nationwide. Through their powerful networks, churches will promote positive parenting, support child nutrition, push for…
With the deadline fast approaching for the submission of the 2024 Annual Provincial Performance Reports (APPRs), the Department of Provincial and Local Level Government Affairs (DPLGA) has mobilized officers to assist provinces that are behind in their reporting responsibilities. As part of this initiative, DPLGA Technical Officer Anton Make is currently in Wabag, providing week-long technical assistance to the Enga Provincial Administration. His mission includes delivering refresher trainings, conducting induction sessions, and facilitating one-on-one consultations with key public servants to enhance their capacity in compiling and submitting the APPRs, as mandated under Section 119 of the Organic Law on Provincial…
The Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League (PNGRFL) announced today the re-appointment of Tahnee Norris as the head coach for the PNG national women’s team, the Santos Orchids. PNGRFL Chief Executive Officer Stanley Hondina expressed his enthusiasm for Norris’ return, confirming that she will continue in the role for an extended two-year term leading into the world cup 2026. He stated that Tahnee’s appointment is not only for the week of the campaign for the Pacific Championships or the 2026 Rugby League World Cup but the commitment to growth. “The Board had a meeting and vetted and she has the…
The 2025 Santos Cup pre-season officially began this week with the inaugural Santos Cup Football Conference, held from 3–5 June in Port Moresby. This milestone event brings together key personnel involved in the competition, including coaches, team managers, referees, medical trainers, and physiotherapists, for capacity-building workshops ahead of the season. Santos has retained the naming rights sponsors for 2025 Season and the Santos Cup competition is set to begin on 02nd of August to the 14th of September. Club Franchises participating in the 2025 season include Bintangor Goroka Lahanis, Gas Resource Central Dabaris, Lae Snax Tigers, Moni Plus Port Moresby…
Papua New Guinea (PNG) is one of only ten countries globally-and the only one in the Pacific region-that has yet to eliminate Maternal and Neonatal Tetanus (MNT), a deadly but vaccine preventable disease. With efforts to begin to eliminate this deadly disease through immunization and vaccination, the National Department of Health (NDoH) and the National Capital District (NCD) Provincial Health Authority (PHA) in partnership with UNICEF, World Health Organization (WHO) and key stakeholders, launched the first phase of the Maternal and Neonatal Tetanus Elimination (MNTE) Campaign today, Wednesday 4th June 2025. NDoH Acting Deputy Secretary Dr. Penial Boas when officially…
As of Monday 2nd June, 2025, all motor vehicle registrations and driver’s license services in the National Capital District (NCD) will be handled by the Road Traffic Authority (RTA). This change is part of the Marape-Rosso Government’s reforms to align with the Road Traffic Act 2014 and the Motor Vehicles (Third Party Insurance) Act 1974. According to John Avira, Acting CEO of RTA, this shift will simplify the process for motorists and clarify where to access key services. “This reform will enable the RTA to focus on our core functions for the public, and Motor Vehicle Insurance Limited’s (MVIL) will…
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) officially launched the inaugural Pacific Women Leaders Program (PWLP) this morning in Port Moresby city, with the week-long program running until Friday 6th June. Supported by ADB, the initiative aims to address the significant gap in women’s leadership across the Pacific region, including in Papua New Guinea (PNG). It is specifically designed for women in senior roles or those aspiring to take on leadership positions that can influence public finance, policy making, and service delivery in their respective countries. “Promoting gender equality and empowering women is a strategic priority for ADB,” said Said Zaidansyah, the…
In a milestone move toward greater accountability and transparency, the Jiwaka Provincial Administration has submitted its first-ever Comprehensive Section 119 Reports. This submission, made recently, fulfills a key legislative requirement under the Organic Law on Provincial and Local Level Governments. The reports, covering the 2023 to 2024 fiscal period, were officially handed over to the Department of Provincial and Local-level Government Affairs (DPLGA) by Jiwaka Provincial Administrator, Mr. Rick Kogen. The reports were received on behalf of Secretary Philip Leo by Mr. James Agigo, Deputy Secretary for the Provincial and Local Level Services Monitoring Authority (PLLSMA). In his remarks, Mr.…
The Pacific International Hospital (PIH) and the Pacific Adventist University (PAU) have partnered to provide vital on the job training and practical experience for trainee nurses from PAU at the PIH facility at 3mile in Port Moresby. PIH Chief Operating officer Mr. Gaurav Anand said, this collaboration aims to enhance skills and knowledge of future healthcare professionals, ensuring they are well-prepared to meet the healthcare needs of PNG. PAU Vice Chancellor Professor Teatulohi Matainaho expressed excitement as this is the first time, they have partnered with the hospital which will provide great opportunity for the students who will be engaged…