COVID-19 pandemic

Economy recovered after lifting of COVID-19 restrictions

According to the Bank of PNG Monetary Policy Statement for March 2023, Acting Governor Elizabeth Genia said the Central Bank expects this growth to continue into 2023 driven by increased activity in the non-mineral sector, supported by the Government’s expansionary fiscal policy2 and growth in the mineral sector.

She said the external sector is projected to weaken in 2023 mainly reflecting a decline in commodity prices due to a slowdown in the global economy.

Learning from COVID

The Covid-19 pandemic stretched health systems globally, and for resource challenged countries such as Papua New Guinea, even more so.

For ANGAU Memorial Provincial Hospital, the positives of enduring the global pandemic were the opportunity to adapt and learn, collaborate with other institutions, and be supported by neighbours such as Australia.

NFA Sees Change In Market Requirements

NFA during a presentation at the World Food Safety Day, Acting Manager for the Audit Certification Unit, Josephine Komboi highlighted the importance of developing the National Fish and Fishery Products Standard and its experience and market dimensions and access, which is a help to global trading market.  

COVID Surge Linked To Violence

Five students presented the undeniable finding from during their appearance on the Chat Room on FM 100 Radio station, a weekly programme coordinated by the Social Communication Secretariat of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference in Port Moresby.
 
The students studying for the National Certificate 1 under the programs of Office Administration, Information Technology and Tourism Hospitality, presented discussion points on the topic ‘Overcoming war on COVID-19 and Violence’.
 
Highlights of their discussions featured the impact of the pandemic almost like a war. 

Focus On Cultural Tourism

It has been a disaster for the entire tourism industry, causing crippling financial stress on all tourism stakeholders. South Sea Horizon’s Lead Guide, Alan Manning said re-setting the focus of the industry on domestic tourism has reduced revenue for many Papua New Guinean operators.

“I believe the costs of operating in PNG has been too expensive for the domestic market, considering the costs of running a tourism operation such as fuel for banana boats, vehicle running costs or food for guest houses. Tourism can be quite expensive for the domestic tourist,” Manning said.

Factors erasing gains in equality: UN

A dialogue among women leaders in the Asia-Pacific region to mark International Women’s Day 2022 also underscored the severe and unevenly distributed consequences of climate change and environmental degradation, while highlighting women’s voice and leadership in climate action and disaster risk reduction.

Increase Vaccination Rollout: PM

He said this at a dinner on 28th February, hosted for CEOs of PHAs, COVID-19 Task Force, NDoH and partners who are in Port Moresby for a week-long planning workshop on COVID-19 vaccine rollout in the provinces.

Prime Minister Marape said the workshop is timely when PNG will conduct its 2022 National General Elections amid the pandemic. 
He said the country could not have survived the pandemic without the efforts put in by the cadre of health care workers in the provinces and healthcare establishments.

PM Highlights Health Challenges

He told Chief Executive Officers of 22 Provincial Health Authorities during a recent health meet. The Prime Minister adding that the COVID-19 pandemic had intensified the deficiency PNG has in its healthcare sector over these years. 

Health Leaders Call For Nationwide Vaccination

It is the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic, the heads of Papua New Guinea’s 22 Provincial Health Authorities (PHAs), key health personnel and partners are gathered together to address the challenges of the national COVID-19 Vaccination rollout program.

“This is an opportunity for provincial health leaders and health workers to have their voices heard, share experiences and lessons learned, and discuss a way forward, together,” said the National Vaccine Taskforce, Executive Director, Api Kassman.

NRL confirm changes to squads to avoid cancellations amid Covid chaos

The NRL are desperate to avoid cancellations or rescheduling of games should players inevitably contract Covid throughout the 2022 season, so that they can fulfil their obligations to broadcasters.

Raiders coach Ricky Stuart was the first to implore the NRL to allow clubs access to players outside their top 30 in the event players are sidelined due to Covid and the game’s governing body has come to the party.