World Food Programme airlifts life-saving relief to people affected by Papua New Guinea earthquake

wfp.org
April 2, 2018

​DUBAI – The World Food Programme (WFP) yesterday airlifted life-saving, nutrient-dense biscuits from its UN Humanitarian Response Depot (UNHRD) in Dubai to Papua New Guinea.
With a cargo of more than 80 metric tonnes of the nutritious high energy biscuits, the plane carried enough food to feed approximately 60,000 earthquake-affected people.
​More than 270,000 people continue to require humanitarian assistance following the devastating 7.5 magnitude earthquake which struck the country in February, and this airlift is part of WFP’s emergency response in the country.
The earthquake was followed by a series of severe aftershocks throughout March, causing widespread panic among communities.
The plane departed from Dubai early Monday morning and the biscuits will reach people within days.
 The plane used for the airlift was provided by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
“We are grateful for Sheikh Mohammed’s generosity in rapidly providing this plane. His support is crucial to deliver humanitarian assistance to those most affected by this natural disaster,” said Stefano Peveri, Head of UNHRD in Dubai.
“More than 60 percent of UNHRD transports originate from Dubai. This makes Dubai WFP’s largest humanitarian hub in the world, thanks to the excellent logistical facilities and ongoing Government support."
Papua New Guinea already faced severe food insecurity and alarming malnutrition levels before the earthquake.
Approximately 37 percent of the population, or 60,000 people, were severely food insecure before the earthquake, according to WFP’s remote assessments using mobile technology.
The earthquake and its aftershocks have further impacted people in the most vulnerable areas of the country, destroying root crops and vegetable gardens; the primary food sources in the affected area.
The airlift is facilitated by the International Humanitarian City (IHC), chaired by Her Royal Highness Princess Haya bint Al Hussein, which hosts WFP’s warehousing facilities in Dubai.
The Princess is a long-term supporter of WFP and currently serves as a United Nations Messenger of Peace.

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WFP is the world's largest humanitarian agency fighting hunger worldwide, delivering food assistance in emergencies and working with communities to improve nutrition and build resilience. Each year, WFP assists some 80 million people in around 80 countries.

Scientology Volunteer Ministers disaster specialists join local volunteers in Papua New Guinea to help villages recover from magnitude 7.5 earthquake

A Global Digital Media Network
http://m.digitaljournal.com/pr/3717199
April 2, 2018

A grassroots initiative is helping sooth the anxiety and stress of those coping in the wake of the magnitude 7.5 Papua New Guinea (PNG) earthquake.
 Scientology Volunteer Ministers (VMs) are bringing immediate relief to those living in care centers while they carry out assessments of the food and water supplies and any medical or sanitation situations for local authorities.

The United Nations estimates some 270,000 Papua New Guineans have yet to receive urgent humanitarian care.
In addition to their physical needs, UNICEF Representative for PNG Karen Allen is concerned about the fear, loss and confusion the children have experienced since the Feb 26 quake. 
More than 140 significant aftershocks have rocked the island, providing a constant reminder of danger.
So the VMs begin by teaching them “The Triangle of Life” — a survival technique of particular value in developing countries where inadequate or nonexistent building codes make finding a “survivable void” inside collapsed buildings more important than shielding yourself from falling debris.
Next, they use a Scientology process to help them overcome their fear of the dangerous environment.
“Usually at this point, the entire group is super relaxed and happy and we answer any further questions and leave it at that,” said one of the Volunteer Ministers.
But after they delivered this process in one center, a man came up to him and ask for more information.
The man really wanted to learn how to deliver this process, so he could help his wife and family.
The Volunteer Minister gave him a booklet describing these techniques, all of which are also available through a free online course on the Volunteer Ministers website.
It is remarkable how quickly people rebound with the application of a few simple Volunteer Minister tools, the VM noted.
The Church of Scientology Volunteer Minister program is a religious social service created in the mid-1970s by L. Ron Hubbard.
 Anyone of any culture or creed may train as a Volunteer Minister and use these tools to help their families and communities.
 The church provides free online training on the Volunteer Ministers website.
In creating the Volunteer Ministers program, L. Ron Hubbard wrote, “If one does not like the crime, cruelty, injustice and violence of this society, he can do something about it. He can become a Volunteer Minister and help civilise it, bring it conscience and kindness and love and freedom from travail by instilling into it trust, decency, honesty and tolerance.”

Rural populations in four districts to benefit from EU and UNICEF support WASH project

Port Moresby, 29 March 2018 – A Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) project to be implemented soon in four districts in Papua New Guinea is expected to have significant positive impact on the productivity, health and wellbeing of 70,000 people including some 40,000 children, UNICEF said today.
The project, to be executed in two phases over four years, will be implemented  in close collaboration with district development authorities (DDAs) in the four districts of Nawae (Morobe Province), Central Bougainville (Autonomous Regional of Bougainville), Goroka (EHP) and Hagen Central (WHP).
 “UNICEF is delighted to work in partnership with the European Union (EU), the Government of Papua New Guinea and the DDAs in the four districts to implement phase one of this important project, UNICEF Representative, Karen Allen said at the launch of the first phase of the project.
“Poor sanitation, unsafe water and unhygienic practices are major causes of preventable illness and deaths especially in children.
 "While access to safe water is important, the largest health benefits that come from improving sanitation and hygiene practices, are essential for the survival and development of children and wellbeing of people in general. UNICEF is committed to working with partners in this project to mobilise communities to promote behavioural change through community driven actions and solutions,” Allen stressed.
"The EU is one of the largest donors of WASH assistance worldwide.
"In Papua New Guinea, the EU Delegation has been actively supporting this focal sector over 40 years of partnership.
"This joint EU-UNICEF-PNG project will provide sustainable access to safe drinking water, basic sanitation and key hygiene practices in rural areas in schools and health facilities in line with the PNG’s National WASH Policy.
" This strategic approach to join our forces targeting schools and health centres is essential to continue progress towards Sustainable Development Goals", mentioned the Head of the EU Delegation, Ambassador Ioannis Giogkarakis-Argyropoulos.
Four selected non-governmental organisations – World Vision, Plan International, Oxfam and Infra Tech - will support respective DDAs in the four districts for five months.
During the first phase, they will, amongst other things, develop a five-year WASH plan and budget for access to safe water, handwashing facilities and improved sanitation and hygiene practices.
Phase two of the project, expected to start in September 2018, will see the implementation of WASH services for 200 schools, 36 health centres and hygiene behaviour change services in 800 communities.
In commending the Government for its holistic WASH policy, and for establishing a WASH Management Unit, developing an Implementation Strategy, and facilitating an institutional structure to implement the Policy, the EU and UNICEF said: “Improving access to and use of safe water, basic sanitation and improved hygiene practices will reduce child mortality, improve health and education outcomes and contribute to reduced poverty and sustainable development as a whole.”

PM O’Neill welcomes China Export-Import Bank Vice President to Papua New Guinea

Office of the Prime Minister
Papua New Guinea

Prime Minister Peter O’Neill  has welcomed the ongoing engagement between Papua New Guinea and the Export-Import Bank of China to fund development projects around the country.
 O’Neill made the comments after meeting EXIM Bank Vice President,  Sun Ping, in Port Moresby last week.

“China is a strong development partner with Papua New Guinea and we look forward to developing additional projects,” he said.
“We have a very clear one-China policy in Papua New Guinea and work together on a range of projects and initiatives that deliver clear benefits for our country and the broader global economy.
“This includes infrastructure delivery, and interests of mutual benefit such as dealing with climate change.
“With the recent re-election of Xi Jinping as the President of the People’s Republic of China, and the continuation of China’s development programmes, I anticipate we will identify additional opportunities to increase engagement.
“EXIM Bank Vice President Sun Ping was in Papua New Guinea to research projects and work with the Government on a number of opportunities ahead of the APEC Leader’s Summit in November.
“The China EXIM Bank has an important role to play in Papua New Guinea and we will continue to advance this engagement.”
O'Neill further welcomed the intended visit by President Xi to Papua New Guinea during APEC Leader’s Week.
“China is providing support for APEC 2018 Papua New Guinea and we look forward to hosting President Xi in November," he said.
“Both countries are looking to the delivery of concrete outcomes from the current APEC year hosted by Papua New Guinea.
“The policy agenda of APEC this year has a strong focus on economic empowerment and this is particularly relevant to Papua New Guinea as we continue to expand infrastructure across the country.
“Following the recent Highlands earthquake we are now also facing substantial infrastructure repairs and rebuilding, and projects are being assessed.”
President Xi Jinping has confirmed his attendance at the APEC Summit and this will also provide the opportunity for him to see first-hand a number of development projects undertaken in Papua New Guinea with China.

Language of art

fijitimes.com
April 2, 2018

By MATILDA SIMMONS

HE calls himself an "internationally homeless guy".
Tote Gallardo has been to so many countries around the world that he says he has no one to return to back at home.
He says he comes from one of the countries that border the famous Amazon forest.

In the hills of Papua New Guinea, Tote Gallardo teaches children some art. Picture: SUPPLIED

While he is not forthcoming about his home country, it may be Brazil or Peru judging by his accent.
"You can write whatever you like," he says with a laugh.
"But I am an internationally homeless guy.
"I have travelled to 76 countries and practically worked and lived on the streets including right up to the most remote jungles and forests."
The 53-year-old is an artist.
He has been travelling since he was in his early 20s, making a living from his art exhibitions and travelling whenever the bug hits him.
From Korea, Cambodia, Russia, to the jungles of Zimbabwe and other African countries, Tote has enjoyed every moment sharing his art with children in orphanages and vulnerable communities.
"I first started doing this work when I was in Africa.
"I saw how the children suffered from social ills including diseases such as cancer and AIDs.
" It touched my heart and I wanted to make them smile.
"After many art sessions with them, it gave me the idea to visit many children around the world, from the disabled to the sick.
" I always find happiness when I get a smile from them."
Tote was just in New Caledonia and Papua New Guinea prior to touching down in Fiji. This is the first time he is in the Pacific.
"Papua New Guinea is beautiful, I felt right at home there," he said smiling.
"I enjoyed trekking through the mountains to reach some of the most isolated villages as well as travelling by boat to reach some of the remote coastal islands.
"It was fantastic.
"That country is my favourite place so far."
The language of art can certainly help make a connection with any person.
Tote described how he was able to overcome the language barrier in some of the developing countries by using his artwork.
"I once met this disabled young man in Cambodia, who was quite suspicious at first and did not take to what I was trying to tell him," said Tote.
"But when I brought out my artwork and my tools for drawing, he started warming up and we spent most of our conversation making signs to each other as we drew art.
"It's the same in other societies.
"People often keep to themselves and don't open up easily, but once I strike up a conversation and show them what I do, they are very receptive.
"There is no language for art, it is universal and you can connect with anyone through it."
Tote will be in Fiji for a month to visit orphanages and children's hospitals to hold art sessions.
He has also asked for any organisations willing to allow him to share his work to contact him on newartglassrevolution@gmail.com

Old Royal Adelaide Hospital medical equipment to help people hit by earthquake in the PNG highlands

news.com.au

EQUIPMENT from the old Royal Adelaide Hospital will be put to good use in the highlands of Papua New Guinea with help from a Flinders University student.

Shila Paia, a PhD student, comes from a community devastated by the recent earthquake and mud slides in remote mountain areas.

Her contacts in PNG’s health services have enabled her to identify goods available from the decommissioned RAH that will help to cover shortfalls in medical supplies.

Equipment ranging from ultrasounds to theatre and surgical goods will help in everything from childbirth to basic primary health care.

“Every piece that has been made available from the old RAH will be useful,” she said.

“I’m especially pleased to have secured a surgical microscope, which I am hoping to donate to the Angau Memorial Hospital in Lae.”

Shila’s project is one of 29 endorsed project applications for equipment from the old RAH.

She is now seeking help to pack a shipping container.

SA’s Dr Yasmin Endlich, Dr Chris Acot, Dr Robert Young and nurse Sharon Philip will travel to PNG to install the equipment and train locals.

Papua New Guinea Foreign Minister praises New Zealand’s new focus on the Pacific

Ministry of Foreign Affairs 

 Papua New Guinea’s Minister for Foreign Affairs  Rimbink Pato has welcomed the renewed focus on Papua New Guinea and the Pacific recently announced by New Zealand.
 Pato conveyed his views at a meeting in Wellington on March 28 with his counterpart,  Winston Peters, who is also Deputy Prime Minister.
 He expressed deep gratitude for the “quick and generous” earthquake recovery assistance extended by New Zealand.
Later, in an address to the New Zealand Institute of International Affairs,  Pato said he welcomed with great enthusiasm the “Pacific reset” policy as described by Peters in a recent speech to one of Australia's foremost think tanks, the Lowy Institute in Sydney.
 Pato said the whole of the Pacific would be pleased to hear that New Zealand intended to move its Pacific relationship past the donor-recipient interaction into a genuine mature political partnership.
“This is exactly the type of relationship we want with the biggest partnership donors to our region, New Zealand and Australia,” he said.
“Such is the population mix particularly in New Zealand but also in Australia, that it is clear the blue ‘continent’ of the Pacific has its deepest cultural relations with Australasia, relations with deep roots in our history, our economies, our families."
 Pato praised the “legendary generosity” of New Zealand.
“This was demonstrated most quickly by its quick and extremely bountiful assistance to us after the recent devastating earthquake in my country,” he said.
 Pato said New Zealand gave  immediate practical help,  including the use of a C130 aircraft to take supplies to the affected  areas, and an assistance package of more than $3.5 million.
“We are most grateful to the New Zealand government and people," he said.
" We will never forget this.
"And we will also be forever grateful for the major contribution New Zealand is making to the APEC summit we are hosting in November.”
 Pato said New Zealand’s continuing and renewed focus on the Pacific was in the interest of  both countries.
“For New Zealand, I see it clearly in your interest to have economically developed partners and allies in the Pacific, all with a clear commitment to democracy, transparency and accountability," he said.
 Pato referred to advice and assistance by New Zealand in hydro-electricity schemes,  agriculture and the environment, gender equality programmes, education and other training, small and medium business, fisheries protection and climate change resilience measures.
He said PNG was a strong advocate of a rules-based international order founded on justice.
Pato praised Minister Peters “for his complimentary remarks about our chief security and development partner, Australia” and for his views that New Zealand and Australia needed to join together more than ever to face the challenges of regional instability and global uncertainty.