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FROM Monica Minnegal and Peter Dwyer Thanks Warren. In September 1987, nearly all 23 residents of Gwaimasi village on the west bank of the Strickland River, 45 km NNW from Nomad, succumbed to an outbreak of influenza. The two oldest men were seriously ill, probably with pneumonia. This was near the end of our 15-month stay and we had little left in the way of western medicine. Rather than carrying these men to the nearest mission station – a two-day walk through swamp and forest – and seeking medical assistance there, people at Gwaimasi sought help from a man at a neighbouring community. This man was able to see the activities of some malevolent spirit beings, though unlike spirit mediums he could not directly communicate with them. He examined the ‘patients’, concluded that they had been harmed by spirit beings from the mountains to the north, and removed tiny bamboo ‘arrows’ that the spirits had shot into them. He advised that they retreat to bush houses to hide from further attack. That is what they did and two weeks later they returned to the village, debilitated but alive. Bruce Knauft reported that Gebusi people also responded to epidemic illnesses by dispersing to forest shelters. These people, it seems, appreciated that voluntary quarantine might have health benefits.

That's the price you pay for consumption driven economy with no considerations given to vulnerabilities of small island states and heavily depending on tourism considering its fragility.

Thanks so much Colin for this excellent blog. Looking forward to the Crawford Fund facilitating ongoing discussions that will contribute to strategy formulation within the government international aid program as well as the NGO sector.

I have to confess that in Olsobip in 1964, “we” (The relatives and I) were cooperating in trying to cure a man who I guessed had pneumonia. I was using procaine penicillin, and they were magically removing foreign bodies, stones, from his abdomen. Unfortunately we were not successful, but we were mutually reconciled that our cooperation had given him the best possible chance.

Thanks Vijay and great to hear from you. I agree regarding geo-politics. It has been depressing to watch how, at a political level, China has influenced thinking about aid in Australia and -- to a lesser extent -- New Zealand. How this will play out in the crisis, I don't know. In both countries, many aid workers in the government aid programmes aren't obsessed with China. And right now politicians have no idea how to manage the aid response, which means aid workers may have a greater impact. Maybe this will lead to less instinctive competition with China, and possibly even cooperation where appropriate. That's the positive take. I hope that's what happens. I'm not sure I'll be proven right though. I hope all's ok with you. Terence

And they ignore the constant warnings from academics about the repercussions that might come afterwards. It's like none of those in power realise that they're doing what might be a carbon copy of the NBF saga years ago in the case of FNPF being used as a cash cow. It's no wonder government is broke and that its own supporters don't even realise that. I'm not surprised that the regime can't seem to do anything right in terms of getting it done properly without shortcuts due to being short-sighted. But there is potential for obvious improvements and adjustments, if only government considered an academic point of view on how to sort things out.

I agree with Chris I only hope the virus testing equipment is properly calibrated to ISO and WHO standards together with any accessories used.

FROM Monica Minnegal and Peter Dwyer Thanks Amanda The Pipeline Segment 1 payment expected in March did not happen. A final ministerial determination for Juha (PDL9) was scheduled for March, with some people gathering at Hides, but this too was postponed. Expectant landowners combine frustration with amazing patience. One commented: ‘Landowners were in the high spirit of receiving PNGLNG pipeline segment #1 royalties & equity payment. However, due to corona virus its affects multi-national companies, Government services & simple ordinary people. In bad times & good times the creator of earth & Heaven God is in control.’ Now, with three Western Province people recorded as positive for COVID-19 there is little likelihood that PNG LNG royalty payments are high on the financially-strapped Government’s agenda. Monica and Peter

Hi Terence, Enjoyed your informative article. The elephant in the room with regards to aid flows (which are vital as ever) is geo-politics and the role of China. During the midst of the current COVID-19 crisis, China has come to Fiji's aid providing support to its military with 47 vehicles and to the Ministry of Health with PPE and other equipment. I note that Australia is providing $15 million as budgetary support to Fiji.

Ryan, Try this link: https://devpolicy.org/in-asia-not-all-homes-are-safe-we-need-an-urgent-shift-in-thinking-20200408/

We are in the middle of a pandemic and governments across the world have imposed lockdowns, closing down offices and businesses. Do you think a moment like this can have a gender dimension? What do you think the impact of the pandemic could be on women?

Thank you for this interesting post. On the matter of the LNG royalty payments that you mentioned, have these been further delayed by the current State of Emergency? Did the meeting scheduled in Kiunga in the week commencing Monday 16 March go ahead? Thank you again, Amanda