My name is William Pomat and I want you to know that vaccines, including the COVID-19 vaccines, prevent infections and save lives. I am now the Director of the PNGIMR, but my career began as a laboratory researcher (scientist), conducting research into how vaccines initiate an immune response and thereby protect children against pneumonia. My team and I have conducted a number of clinical trials on vaccines culminating in the introduction of pneumococcal vaccine into the immunization schedule in 2015, a journey that started in the 1970s by Ian Riley and Bob Douglas. These two gentlemen saw pneumonia as the main killer in those days and initiated research into prevention measures to save lives. In the last two years, we are continuing this work to understand whether probiotics will enhance the effects of childhood vaccines and protect them against vaccines that have lower efficacies. Immunization is an effective public health tool to prevent infections. As children, many of us received vaccines as part of the immunization program to stop us from getting infections such as pneumonia, small pox, tetanus, diphtheria, measles, hepatitis and polio. Today as adults we continue to live because of these life-saving shots early in our lives. Our children have themselves received these life-saving vaccines and continue to thrive. Scientists like me in PNG and others around the world have gained knowledge as we worked on these vaccines. The COVID-19 vaccines were developed quickly because the scientists built on decades of careful scientific work in making and testing vaccines that are effective and safe. COVID-19 vaccines, the Johnson & Johnson vaccine and the Astra Zeneca vaccine, are now available to prevent COVID-19 infections from getting worse. Knowing about how vaccines are developed and tested and their life saving quality, I made up my mind to be vaccinated against COVID-19, at the earliest opportunity. This opportunity arose when I was among a few Eastern Highland PHA staff and colleagues from IMR to receive our first dose of AstraZeneca during the launch of the vaccine in Eastern Highlands on 5th May 2021. This story is featured in IMR news (see picture). Before receiving my first dose of AstraZeneca vaccine, I was infected with COVID-19 during the easter weekend of 2021, and was evacuated to Port Moresby. I was lucky and only had the moderate symptoms of high temperatures, headache, high sugar levels, lethargy and some breathlessness, but I was still fearful. I was isolated at home in Port Moresby, which helps a lot and am very grateful to my wife and staff at IMR for taking care of me. Getting the vaccine give us some reassurance that we are safe from the virus. This is because vaccines reduces transmission of the virus plus initiates protective immune response on recognizing the virus. Those who are vaccinated are protected from serious illness and death. And if we do get the virus again, as we most likely will because COVID-19 infections are so widespread right now, we will not be as sick as if we did not receive the vaccine. So please get yourself vaccinated with one of the available COVID-19 vaccines and protect yourself, your family, your community and most importantly our health workers who will attend to you if you get sick. Getting vaccinated will also help us to return to our normal lives without fear of contracting a dangerous disease. It will also ease the strain on our ailing health system.

Papua New Guinea reported 288 new cases of COVID-19 in the past 24 hours raising its cumulative total confirmed cases to 25,356. These new cases were reported from 10 provinces of which Western Highlands reported the highest of 122; followed by NCD (73); Morobe (45); Central (15); West New Britain (14); Eastern Highlands (11); Western (2); Madang (2); Hela (2); and Jiwaka (2). There were also three new deaths reported in the past 24 hours raising the cumulative known deaths to 312. Of the deaths, two came from WHP and one was reported in Morobe. The new cases and deaths are reported by the National Control Centre only after it has received the Case Investigation Forms and Death Certificates which often come late from the Provincial Health Authorities. In this case, the three deaths had occurred 7 – 14 days ago. Although these cases were reported internally, the information could not be released until the CIFs and death certificates had been received as proof. Any deaths that have occurred outside of health facilities and have been reported by word of mouth are not being included in the national database. While there are surges occurring in many parts of the country, most provinces are far from reaching the testing and vaccination targets set for this year with an exception of NCD which has now vaccinated 63,103 people which is 48 per cent of its target population of 92,312 for this year. The rest of the provinces have covered between one per cent to 12 per cent ‘fully vaccinated’. The fully vaccination coverage rates in the highlands region are as follows: Southern Highlands (1%); Eastern Highlands (2%); Chimbu (2%); Western Highlands (4%); Hela (3%); Enga (5%); and Jiwaka (6%). The coverage rates for Momase region are as follows: Morobe (5%); West Sepik (3%); Madang (4%); and East Sepik (6%). In the Southern region, the coverage rates are as follows: NCD (48%); Western (12%); Gulf (3%); Milne Bay (3%); Central (3%); and Northern (2%). The coverage rate for New Guinea Islands are as follows: East New Britain (30%); West New Britain (15%); New Ireland (9%); Manus (16%); and Autonomous Region of Bougainville (5%). The cumulative total of people that have been fully vaccinated as of Sunday, 17th October, 2021, is 109,549. The number of people that have received only one dose stands at 109,549. The figures for vaccination coverage (at least one dose received) is 10%, and those who are fully vaccinated is 5% as of October 17, 2021. Meanwhile, Deputy Controller of the National Pandemic Response Dr Daoni Esorom has urged all frontliners, including the health workers to consider vaccination to protect themselves and their families against COVID-19. Dr Daoni said the statistics are clear, “Health workers are getting infected every day. In today’s update, we have 13 of them getting infected. This is very high. “Our country is fortunate that our government has seen the need and stepped in by ensuring that we had vaccines to protect our health workers long before the delta variant arrived. We still want them to be the priority, although the vaccines are now being given to other members of the public.”

The Manam volcano in Madang Province spewed ash and steam at 2000 metres covering the whole island. A thick dark smoke is visible as far as Bogia station on the mainland. Locals on ground say the eruption lasted 1 hour and has subsided. Local authorities on ground are monitoring the situation and more updates will be provided as more information becomes available. Image by: John Seach

A circulated message on social media about a mass protest march tomorrow following several government departments’ announcement to reject services to unvaccinated citizens has been deemed as unlawful. NCD Metropolitan Superintendent Gideon Ikumu told this newsroom that all public gathering plans must go through the proper channel however this has not been the case for the supposed mass protest march. “It is a concern the people have and want to express but at the same time, we have to be mindful of the opportunity this might create for looters,” Mr Ikumu said. “I have sent police officers out to identify individuals who are planning this and if they do identify them, then we will speak with the leaders so that they come through the proper channel to get permission to protest.” Met Supt Ikumu further stated that the police hierarchy has also liaised with the PNGDF hierarchy who established that military personnel's’ participation in the protest will be against their code of conduct. The circulated message stated that PNGDF will be leading the protest following the passing away of a serviceman after being vaccinated against COVID19 and that the protest will be carried out throughout the city.

With the health and safety of close to 600,000 members in mind, Nasfund, following guidance from local health officials and the World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a notice reminding the public of the following measures: No Mask No Entry Policy Members and other visitors will be denied access to all Nasfund offices unless equipped with medically suitable face masks. Compulsory Temperature Testing Visitors are required to submit for a compulsory temperature test before accessing any Nasfund office. Hand Sanitizing & Social Distancing All office locations are fitted with hand sanitation stations for members to use and social distancing markers where members and visitors are required to abide by being at least 1.5 meters apart from each other at any given time. Online Services Employers are encouraged to utilize the Employer Online portal for contribution updates and Members should use the Member Online portal for balance checks or account inquiries. Lodgments of Unemployment Benefit Payments and Housing Advance claims can be sent to us at e-withdrawals@nasfund.com.pg Presentation Alternatives Members and employers are encouraged to contact our Business Development team at clientrelations@nasfund.com.pg to arrange alternate means of receiving information on superannuation products, services, or ID card inquiries. Call Centre The Nasfund Call Centre is open for business from 8 am to 5 pm Monday to Friday and from 9 am to noon every Saturday. Members should contact us at help@nasfund.com.pg or call us on 1588 Super Saturday Service Employed members should utilize the Super Saturday services available in Port Moresby at the Boroko Service Centre and Lae at the Lae branch. Niupela Pasin Protocols will continue to be enforced. Nasfund’s Chief Executive Officer, Ian Tarutia, said we will maintain normal operations as best as we can to ensure that members continue to receive convenient services, without being unnecessarily disadvantaged. “As the largest superannuation fund in PNG, we have a responsibility to our members and employers to provide a safe environment for business to continue. All these protocols being enforced are for the safety of our staff, our members, and the general public. If we are required to make changes to our business operations and or public engagements that may disrupt our provision of services, we will communicate this immediately.”

Late Hon. Roy Biyama, Member for Middle Fly was finally laid to rest in his home village of Balimo yesterday. It was witnessed by his immediate family members, all five LLG Presidents, public servants, stakeholders and the people of Middle Fly District. It was an emotional occasion as thousands of grievers braved the hot sun with a guard of honor, choir groups with a beautiful tributary songs dedicated to Late Roy and a gun salute. Presentation and gifts were presented to the Funeral Organising Committee by all LLGs, communites, Chinese Community, District and Provincial Administrations to show respect and pay homage to their great leader. Most people described him as an humble, honest, humility and visionary leader leaving behind a good fond memories to cherish especially when it comes to delivering of basic government services to very remote places like Lake Murray, Bamu and other isolated hamlets. There are benchmark of Late Roy's projects like classrooms, teachers house, health facilitates including housing scheme project which he introduced for the people to have decent semi-permanent houses everywhere in all those five LLGs of Middle Fly. They said Late Roy had a great enthusiasm, pride in himself and was someone who was admired by many people, because of his humbleness to serve his people with whatever he earned from his business to support social and spiritual activities in Balimo he opted to contest for the 2002 National Election, which he won and served four consecutive terms undefeated till he succumbed to diabetic and met his fate. He was able to split Gogodala into Fly Gogodala and Aramia Gogodala LLGs which the district administration open their two new accounts and funded with K700,000 respectively. Under the leadership of Late Roy, District was able to bring in Sustainable Development Program (formerly PNG SDP) to live and operate out of Balimo town with support from the Western Governor and Provincial Administrator where there are lot of unprecedented development taking place within the precinct of New Town area. There were lot more to achieve which caspulated in the rolling District Development Plan, unfortunately he passed away.

Air Niugini flights to Kieta in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville are suspended until further notice following the closure of Aropa airport by the Autonomous Bougainville Government. The national airline is advising passengers holding tickets to or from Kieta to travel to or from Buka instead with no additional cost. It said they can also rebook their travel to Kieta for future dates without penalties. Air Niugini operates six weekly flights to Buka, daily except Sundays, using Fokker 100/70 jet aircraft. For bookings and further information, please call our Toll-Free number 1803444 or visit your nearest Air Niugini Sales Office or travel Agent. Air Niugini continues to observe strict COVID-19 protocols, including wearing of masks on board aircraft and within terminal buildings and use of hand sanitizer.

With the National Examinations currently underway in various schools throughout the country, students in Morobe Province are being called on to ensure they are not involved in any bad behaviour after their exams. Morobe Provincial Police Commander Superintendent Jacob Singura made this appeal to the Grade 12s who are currently sitting for their exams as well as the Grade 8s who will sit for their exams next week. He said having after-exam celebrations is not a bad thing, however it must be done in the family setting and in a safe environment. “Our advice is when you finish your exams, go back home safely and be with your parents,” Mr Singura said. “If you want to celebrate the completion of your exams, please do it at home with your family.” Meanwhile Grade 10 students throughout Morobe Province were commended for their after-exam behaviour following the end of their national examinations last week. Supt Singura said police have received no reports of any disturbances or incidents caused by students and gave credit to them for that. He also commended the parents and the respective schools’ administrations for ensuring that their message is being relayed down to the students. “I commend everyone involved, particularly the parents and the teachers and also our young students who are sitting for their exams and those that have completed theirs already.

Athletics PNG’s priority at the moment is ensuring that athletes can continue training for the PNG Air Grand Prix and National Championships, as these events will form an important part of the process for selecting teams for the Pacific Mini Games next year. Those who normally use PNG Sports Foundation facilities which are closed at present are being encouraged to think outside the box and look for alternatives. We saw last year during the first lockdown that coaches in Port Moresby were being resourceful and adapting to the situation. Coach Allan Akia in Lae is taking his athletes to work out on the road to Mount Lunaman several times a week and a large group of athletes went to Labu recently to do some training there on the beach. We are liaising closely with Pandemic Sports Committee through Dr Kapua Kapua for approval to continue training in small groups and have written letters to the Deputy Controller and to the CEO PNG Sports Foundation. The Sir John Guise Stadium is currently locked down for sanitisation but we are seeking permission for National Squad athletes to be allowed to use the track. We hope to gain approval for athletes to train in small groups (following strict covid-19 protocols) at Sir John Guise Stadium and it is after all a big open space. We have also issued a statement recently encouraging all our athletes and officials to get vaccinated in preparation for travel to competitions. Clearly the current situation will have an impact on the Southern Region Championships which was planned for November 6 and 7. No final decision has been made yet and we are waiting to see what happens in the next week or so. As far as the NGI Championships go we haven’t had any report of any lockdowns or measures in ENB that will have an impact on this event. For the PNG Air Grand Prix in Kimbe we remain hopeful that this programme can go ahead as it does not involve a large gathering of people. Its just a few events and a small number of athletes and officials and we are seeking a meeting with the authorities in Kimbe on this matter. Given the importance of the National Championship for selection purposes, every effort will be made to stage the event. If covid restrictions mean that we have to limit the number of participants and focus on the Open Division then that’s what we will do. Again, we are liaising with the Provincial Authorities in Kimbe to obtain approval to safely stage a successful Championships. With respect to the many questions about alternatives if the measure prolong, we believe that we have to adapt to the current situation and do not believe that suspending all activity is a necessary or a viable option. There has been widespread acceptance that Covid is a fact of life now,and that life must go , but the adoption of Niupela pasin. We have to learn to live with covid and we sincerely hope that the relevant authorities will allow us to continue our preparations for the Pacific Games and Commonwealth Games.

Since 2012, the Port Moresby Nature Park has been supporting over 30 local artisans who supply to its gift shop, a unique variety of local art & craft items that it sells conveniently to its guests. Despite the set-backs experienced by business houses through Covid-19 flight and freight restrictions, the gift shop has been consistently stocking up its many gift items, promoting PNG’s culture through its various displays thanks to its network of local artisans. One such artisan who benefits through this community network is Mr Max Tuhi. Max hails from Morobe and resides in Port Moresby. He has been providing unique hand-painted side bags of which he supplies to the gift shop to sell at between K15 – K20 each. Max says he is happy to provide this service to Port Moresby Nature Park as it enables him to market his products to more people while at the same time, sustain his family daily. There are some very unique items for sale at the Nature’s Gift. One such item is the traditionally crafted mosquito coil holder which is supplied by another craftsman named Frank Eafeare. This new product has quickly become a favourite, not only for its favourable price but mostly because of its quality of being both environmentally friendly and fire-proof. Port Moresby Nature Park’s Guest Relations Manager, Ms. Grace Giaruva said she is always happy to see local craft dealers earn themselves some money to sustain their families through this difficult time through their sale here at the gift shop. “It is a win-win situation for both Nature Park and the local artisans. We are grateful for this community that we have created where we all support each other in driving business growth both individually and as an organisation”, stated Ms Giaruva. The Nature’s Gift shop sells a wide range of gifts and souvenirs for all ages with crafts from all regions of Papua New Guinea. Visiting the Nature’s gift shop and making a purchase ensures the support of local artisans as well as helping the Port Moresby Nature Park maintain its 30 acre gardens and welfare of more than 350 resident native animals. Port Moresby Nature Park’s mission is to promote the protection of PNG’s unique natural environment and cultural diversity. By visiting the park, you help support their education, research and conservation efforts.

ALL major hospitals in the country are barely coping as they respond to the rising number of COVID-19 cases. These includes the Mt Hagen General Hospital, Angau General Hospital, Goroka General Hospital and Port Moresby General Hospital. “We’re at the moment barely managing with the existing load. There are surges occurring in all the major centres,’’ said Dr Gary Nou, Team lead for Emergency Medical Team at the National Control Centre and NCC clinical lead Dr Scotty Kandelyo, who is also the country’s Deputy Chief Emergency for the Highlands and Momase regions. In NCD, the COVID-19 isolation facilities at Gerehu General Hospital and Taurama Acquatic Centre are also full. “Patients are lying everywhere. The situation is dire,’’ said the two doctors. They said there are so many patients, not just those seeking help for COVID-19 but also other illnesses and the situation with COVID-19 is overwhelming for the health workers. The NCC EMT is currently working on bringing into the country medical teams to help the already exhausted health workers in different parts of the country. On Saturday, five members of the Australian Medical Assistance Teams (AusMat) arrived in Port Moresby to do the groundwork for the engagement of their members. AusMat meets the entire cost of their engagement with no financial help coming from the Government of PNG. Dr Nou said the other team, UK Medical Team, is also sending a team and are currently working on their visas. “These are clinical teams comprising of senior specialists, nurses and all cadres of health workers that are needed in the response. They are needed everywhere in the country. Our own health workers are overwhelmed. They are burned out,’’ said Dr Nou. In this third wave of COVID-19 many health workers have died, further putting a strain on the existing manpower as well as the weak health system. Meanwhile, Deputy Controller of the National Pandemic Response Dr Daoni Esorom has reiterated his call to everyone in the country to listen and follow the Niupela Pasin, including wearing facemasks in public spaces; avoiding of crowds; washing of hands regularly with soap or sanitizing if there is no water; and physical distancing by 1.5 to 2 metres in public venues, including shops, markets and bus-stops. “I cannot but continue to say this that unless we all cooperate, the virus will continue to spread in our communities. We’ve lost so many people and we cannot continue like this. Please listen and follow instructions.’’ Dr Daoni has also expressed concern that as the holiday season is approaching and people go to their home villages, they may take the virus with them so he urges everyone to do whatever they can to ensure the virus does not spread to the rural areas. “If it does, we will not be able to help many people because many villages are not accessible by road transport in order for people to go quickly to the health facilities to seek help when they are sick with COVID-19. Let us all be responsible and do what we are being told to do: Follow the Niupela Pasin. Together we will beat this pandemic.’’

123 COVID-19 deaths have been recorded so far in the Eastern Highlands Province within the months of September and October this year. The figure given by the COVID 19 care centre in Goroka stands as of yesterday (Monday, October 18, 2021.) Meanwhile, Eastern Highlands Provincial Health Authority CEO Dr Joseph Apa said the two containers used by the hospital to keep the pile of bodies of people dying from COVID-19 is full to its capacity and they are currently looking at options to accommodate for that. “The main hospital morgue is not going to be used to keep those bodies, we will try to get an additional container to cater for that,” Dr Apa said. “The bodies we’re receiving do not only come from those that pass away in the hospital but from the communities as well and that’s where we have the issue with storage capacity.” He added that the bodies come from all the eight districts of the province. Picture courtesy: EHPHA Media Unit