Businesses Against HIV AIDS (BAHA) website keeps working women informed about HIV

People are interested in how HIV affects young, working women. In March over 1000 people visited the BAHA website www.baha.com.pg  for the first time to look at the new page aimed at providing resources specific to young working women and HIV.

The new page was launched alongside the BAHA March Newsletter because International Women’s Day is celebrated in March.

Apart from stories, reviews, songs and links, BAHA considers as most significant, the promotion of procedures around "post-exposure prophylaxis” for HIV or PEP in case of exposure to HIV.

Dr Nano Gideon (pictured above) from the Heduru Clinic talks about “accidentally exposed” steps to follow which were developed as part of the BAHA workplace training program.

PEP for HIV is an emergency short-term disease-specific treatment to reduce the likelihood of infection. PEP may be prescribed after a workplace accident, sexual assault or sexual accident like a condom breakage.

BAHA General Manager Dr Ann Clarke said: “Information on PEP is a component of BAHA training and BAHA workplace champions learn about universal precautions, first aid kits and PEP. The training includes information on transmission. Although it is quite a mouthful, PEP, as we most need to know it, is a 28-day course of ARVs taken after someone has been exposed to HIV.

“Participants at workplace training participate in role plays to help reinforce the importance of time. If PEP is started within 72 hours of the exposure (and the sooner the better), PEP is highly effective in preventing HIV infection.” said Dr Clarke.

Not many people either know about or understand the process of PEP for HIV. Our champions leave BAHA training knowing critical facts about rapid response, access to services and the drugs involved

At the recent BAHA Tokaut, a participant from PNG Ports said: “I had no idea that an HIV infection could be prevented after accidental exposure All workplaces have accidents and now we know we could prevent an unnecessary infection.”

Dr Nano is in the process of ensuring PEP is understood and delivered at accident and emergencies through Papua New Guinea.

He said: “We would like to see all people who have been accidentally exposed within the first 12 hours!”

Information on rapid response and access to services steps is available from the BAHA website or through enquiries@baha.com.pg.

Tribal clash puts Black Cat Trail operations on hold

By PISAI GUMAR in The National

 

ETHNIC fighting between Biangais and Watuts two weeks ago are believed to have delayed the operations of a British volunteer team that has come to PNG to set up tour facilities in Morobe province.

Trekforce Worldwide has been in the province for the past two months to set up equipment along the World War II Black Cat Trail from Salamaua to Wau.

The volunteers – four women and seven men, who are based at Komiatam village, Salamaua, Huon Gulf – are involved in educating gateway villagers along the trail on ways to improve hospitality standards.

They have also been assisting the community in projects funded by the Morobe Tourism Bureau.

However, the conflict between Biangais and Watuts was said to have put Trek Force’s plans on hold.

Projects that have been postponed include the installations of a radio base at Kamiatam and contact points along the track in accordance with the development plan launched at Lae International Hotel in March last year.

Three of the volunteers left for Britain last Friday.

The others will remain in the province for about two months to teach in community schools in the district, including Salamaua High School.

During their time here, the volunteers completed a community project – a bio eco-friendly bathroom – for Komiatam village.

The semi-modern facility, containing a shower room, washing place and toilet, was launched last week.

K128 million jet for Papua New Guinea government! You got to be longlong, Somare!

By IAN TAUKURO

 

Interesting news on the front page of the Post-Courier, don't you think!???

The government is buying itself a sleek new corporate jet for a paltry K130 million! Yes, first they give themselves hefty allowances increases and now they see fit to get themselves a jet. What the hell is going on at Waigani!?

What about fixing up the schools, the hospitals, the roads or helping with the housing situation for us battlers? If appropriated properly, K130 million can go a long way and benefit a lot of people in real tangible ways - for instance, a classroom for kids who have to be taught under a tree, or more medicines for doctors/nurses to prescribe, or better roads that people can use to get to or from markets or subsidies on housing materials so people can build houses for themselves.

But, no, the government prefers that the people's money be spent on one of the most expensive items of all: a jet that only 109 people can use.

I cannot believe how out of touch the government is with what is going on in our country. It simply defies belief!

As you all know not all airports in our country can handle a jet. So if the MP's want to visit a remote part of their electorate(yes, every MP will find some excuse to joy ride on the new jet!), they'll most probably take the jet to the nearest jet airport  and then hop on a third level airline (propeller type) or helicopter to get to the remote village. In other words, it's going to cost more for their travel (fuel, plane/helicopter hire, pilot's salaries, etc.) Guess who will foot the bill?

The reasoning behind this particular government decision is also a bit of an insult to the older folk of our nation! They say the PM, who will use the jet more than others, needs a more comfortable ride because he's getting old and suffering from long periods of high altitude travel.

Screw him! What about the millions of old people in the country who suffer from long periods of WALKING because there isn't a vehicle nearby because the nearest road is unusable!!!!!!

It is plain to see that the pollies only want the jet for the image that it will give them. And to the MP's, we taxpayers, who are funding the purchase of the jet, can just go to hell!

 

Ian

Statement for World Health Day 2009

WHO Director General Dr Margaret Chan talks to nurses during her visit in November 2008 to the earthquake-affected areas in China’s Shichuan province

BY MARGARET CHAN-Director General of theWHO

WHEN an emergency of disaster occurs, most lives are lost or saved, in the immediate aftermath of the event.
People count on hospitals and health facilities to respond, swiftly and efficiently, as the lifeline for survival and the backbone of support.
The tragedy of a major emergency or disaster is compounded when health facilities fail. When a hospital collapses or its functions are disrupted, lives that depend on emergency care can be lost.
Interruptions in routine services can also be deadly.
In large emergencies, such as those caused by earthquakes or floods, some countries have lost as much as 50% of their hospital capacity, right at the time when life saving services were most acutely needed.
Apart from causing increased suffering and loss of life, the failure of health facilities during an emergency can provoke a public outcry, especially when shoddy construction or violations of building codes are thought to be at fault.
To commemorate World Health Day this year, WHO is advocating a series of best practices that can be implemented in any resource setting to make hospitals safe during emergencies.
Apart from safe sting and resilient construction, good planning and carrying out emergency exercises in advance can help maintain critical functions.
Proven measures range from early warning systems to a simple hospital safety assessment, from protecting equipment and supplies to preparing staff to manage mass casualties and infection control measurers.
Different types of emergencies bring typical patterns of injuries, such as crush injuries in earthquakes and hypothermia in floods, with corresponding needs for training and supplies.
These needs can be anticipated in advance, and surge capacity can be tailored to manage them.
It is smart to think and plan ahead.
Worldwide, the number of emergencies and disasters is rising.
This trend is certain to continue as urbanisation crowds people together on unsafe sites and climate change brings more frequent and more severe extreme whether events.
We need to anticipate a growing number of areas that will become disaster prone.
Abundant experience demonstrates the tremendous pay off, also at the political level, when hospitals remain standing and functioning as beacons of security and solidity in the midst of disaster and despair.
We must never forget: hospitals and health facilities represent a significant investment. Keeping them safe in emergencies protects that investment, while also protecting the health and safety of people-our foremost concern.

World Health Day 2009: ‘Save Lives. Make Hospitals Safe In Emergencies’

WORLD Health Day 2009 focuses on the resilience and safety of health facilities and the health workers who treat those affected by emergencies.
Events around the world will highlight successes, advocate for safe facility design and construction, and build momentum for widespread emergency preparedness.
World Health Day 2009 focuses on the safety of health facilities and the readiness of health workers who treat those affected by emergencies.
Health centers and staff are critical lifelines for vulnerable people in disasters- treating injuries, preventing illnesses and caring for people’s health needs.
They are cornerstones for primary health care in communities-meeting everyday needs, such as safe child birth services, immunisations and chronic disease care that must continue in emergencies.
Often, already-fragile health systems are unable to keep functioning through a disaster, with immediate and future public health consequences.
This year, the World Health Organisation (WHO) and international partners are underscoring the importance of investing in health infrastructure that can withstand hazards and serve people in immediate need.
They are also urging health facilities to implement systems to respond to internal emergencies, such as fires and ensure the continuity of care.

Ian Thompson responds to The Melanesian Way

By IAN THOMPSON

 

What John Fowke has to say about the Melanesian Way is 100% correct, and is thoroughly understood by every Melanesian citizen of PNG.

What is very unusual is to see this obvious truth expressed publicly.

Expatriates from earlier times understand this "problem" very well, but because the subject is never mentioned by Melanesians in the presence of an outsider, very few recently-arrived foreigners have a clue as to the underlying reason why PNG is completely unable to govern itself.

They blame individuals rather than a way of life, and don't understand that they can't fix things using Western methods.

They get angry and frustrated and eventually either accept the situation or pack up and leave.

I knew Michael Somare before independence, and listened to his ambitions and his fears.

 He knew that he could never govern this country using the constitution forced on him by the UN and the Australian Government.

That's why he invented the "Melanesian way".

 I think he somehow believed that this would work.

He knew that it was his only hope.

There was nothing else.

For the reasons that John just expounded, the Melanesian Way would never be of any use in managing anything outside of a clan group.

It has done a wonderful job making Michael and his family enormously rich.

That's what the Melanesian Way is supposed to do.

The same system is also supposed to disadvantage your enemies in any way possible.

 It has done this too.

But don't blame Michael.

 He is just doing what his parents told him was his sacred duty.

 If you prosecute Michael and make him give back his Millions (Billions???) the next guy would do exactly the same thing.

Every Melanesian knows this, which is the reason why he can get away with the most blatant acts of mal-administration.

One finger pointing is three fingers back to you, so who can accuse?

You press guys do a fantastic job exposing the corruption that you know is preventing your country from progressing.

It breaks my heart to see how hard you try, and what little reward you get for it.

The ordinary PNG citizen simply coudn't care less.

They see Government money not as "theirs" but some kind of free handout that falls from the sky, and they see the corrupt politicians and public servants (plus their scum bag lawyers) as lucky people doing exactly what they would do themselves.

 Just look at the useless and mainly-silent Opposition parties.

Half a million here and there is enough to keep them quiet. (Teil blong pik em inap lon ol).

The number of PNG citizens who would actually put their country before themselves or their clan is so few that after nearly 50 years living there I honestly can't think of a single example.

Probably a few young educated people try, but they can't achieve much, and what are they really thinking anyway? Many pretend, but it's mainly bullshit for the consumption of ignorant foreigners.

I think PNG will be like the British, who never seem to get it right, but they "muddle along" and somehow survive.

Your wantok system is the best thing going for you, and anyone who would destroy that for some foreign and unproven system would have to be crazy.

I wish you a long and happy life living comfortably within the wantok system.

Take pride in your ancestors, who did a very good job of surviving as a race for many thousands of years, and have handed down a rich and vibrant culture to the wonderment of the whole world.

 

 

I love you all.

 

Regards,

 

Ian

Dreamers and their dreams

By JOHN FOWKE

 

Dear Ian,

 

I hope you won’t mind my using your email contact to get in touch direct.

Malum forwarded both your recent emails generated by my article Melanesian Way etc.

 I think we met briefly many years ago somewhere in Hagen or the Wahgi; I have an impression of a short, energetic and enthusiastic person.

 We are both dreamers in our own ways, both as pro-PNG thinkers who speak from realistic, up-to-date experience; and also dreamers, perhaps, from a cynic's point of view, in regard to the small likelihood of anything we express being taken to heart by large numbers of PNG'ians or, importantly, Australians.

I've been trying to get into the heads of AusAid and DFAT for a decade-and-a-half, with absolutely no success, despite the fact that an academic spy at ANU tells me that at DFAT they are absolutely desperate to come up with a new, more effective list of policies for Oz's ongoing assistance to PNG.

This has been commanded by King Kev for presentation in June 09!

 Long ol planti ol kiaps belong bipo mi les olgeta, except for a few such as yourself and my old friends Graham Pople, Chris Warrilow, Tony Pryke and Bill McGrath, and those few such as Rick Giddings, Ben Probert etc who stayed on for long in Government jobs in the belief that sacrificing a bit of dignity and tangling with the turmoil was far more worthwhile than fleeing with the "handshake," thus becoming something between a taxi-driver or a tax-accountant.

Maybe wives had a lot to do with it.

 The voices of these people, today, must be seen as irrelevant, no matter that they think they all deserve medals, for fuck's sake!

 We forget that one of the drivers of the mass exodus of Aussie public servants pre- and after independence was race prejudice and peer-pressure at the after-work, or social-club level.

They couldn't see themselves working on an equal footing, or worse, as subordinates to PNG'ians.

We were well rid of them, despite the chaos which has followed in the public service. PNG has had no post-independence racial problems to speak of, until the corrupt relaxation of the migration, logging and business laws for those who pay their way became widespread.

 Aside from the occasional uproar from academics (foreign) and PNG political circles there is a deep well of positive feeling towards Australia in PNG, as you say.

And whilst this is due to the quite wide adoption of Oz cultural and attitudinal characteristics and through sport, it is the ongoing presence of Aussies like yourself and others like myself-(Kiwi turncoat) - and our PNG'ian friends of like-mind, and our efforts to be a friendly, sociable, and an accessible source of all sorts of information, that Oz still keeps a foothold in minds and imaginations throughout PNG.

A bank of information and an emotional connection which is very much to the benefit of both countries and their future together as close neighbours.

 Please don’t imagine that I decry the Melanesian Way of Subsistance, by any means.

 My article is the first polite, and thus publishable, opinion piece, to bring out into the open the fact that PNG is held back through a cultural bias which makes it ok to lie to non-blood-relatives, to steal from non-blood-relatives and to do a lot of talking without getting to the point and ultimately to suspend or cover up what is being contended.

 These characteristics are described, euphemistically, today as “wantok sistem bilong mipela" but although this assertion is partly correct, as you and I know there’s a great deal more to the wantok system than the lies and cover-ups and nepotistic appointments which paralyse the progress of the nation at present.

The task is to filter out the elements which are spoiling PNG's efforts to engage successfully with modernity and build a healthy, vigorous and proud nation.

 Whilst all PNG'ians are entitled to bristle and even to roar loudly at these assertions by a foreigner, I have believed for many years that it all needs to be said out loud.

In fact it was said, in a more-wordy and detailed way, long ago, in a series of three linked articles which were published, either in The National or Post-Courier, I forget which, under the by-line of the current Governor General.

The GG had a weekly comment/column at the time.

He had picked the articles up from others who had received them from me by email and he published it as..."the opinions of a concerned expatriate resident etc etc..."

The articles were originally intended to catch the attention of AusAid and to encourage them to provide proper preparation and orientation for both staff and contractors/consultants entering PNG.

I worked for 11 years for Coffee Industry Corporation, and one of the tasks which I was finally able to do (with generous help from the European Union) was to turn its research and extension divisions, by far the most-expensive and inefficient parts, from a living, breathing, totally-useless model of Department of Agriculture Stock and Fisheries from the'fifties, as reconstituted by well-meaning pre-independence Aussie ex-didimen.

Men who were totally out of date in their thinking, to a small, potentially cost-effective single entity with about 90 staff,  from one which had previously used almost 500 persons plus housing, vehicles etc in similar generous ratio.

 Nothing very effective ever comes of all these efforts- but like you, I believe in PNG - in a sense I am in sympathy with the late Rev Percy Chatterton of the London Missionary Society,  whose book of reminiscences was entitled ‘Day That I Have Loved’.

 Luckily I was blessed with a wife who felt the same way.

 I continue to hold out hope and in one way or another try to influence events, so that PNG will not descend into the chaos of such world-record-holders for state corruption and poverty as Haiti under Papa Doc and Zimbabwe under Uncle Bob Mugabe.

I don’t think its going to happen, but the road to recovery is in the shadows right now.

 

Cheers,

 

John