Category Archives: Oceania

The bust Head of a Woman at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on March 07, 2022. Spencer Platt/Getty Images

In November, New Yorks Metropolitan Museum of Art announced it received a gift of $125 million from longtime trustees Oscar L. Tang and Agnes HsuTang, the largest single donation in the institutions history. Now a few months later, Max Hollein, the director of the Met appointed in 2018, has begun to outline the immediate plans for the 150-year-old museum, which has already kicked off an extensive renovation process that includes a new contemporary and modern art wing and an updated wing for the arts of Africa, Oceania, and the Americas designed by architect Kulapat Yantrasast. The influx of new money and structural overhauls come as the Met has pledged to removethe now-infamous Sackler family name from seven exhibition spaces and return ill-gotten artifacts to their countries of origin, changes that indicate the institution is working to symbolically shed its skin.

Reassessing its history and its relationship with the materials that comprise the Mets vast collection is an ongoing project for the institution. Efforts have only kicked into high gear, though, since the upswing from the Mets recent low period: In 2017, the museum was grappling with a $40 million deficit, implementing waves of layoffs and postponing plans for a new wing. The Mets previous director, Thomas P. Campbell, stepped down in June of that year.

Over the last couple of years, the Met has repatriated several objects after evidence emerged that they were originally acquired by collectors via illicit means. In October the Met announced it would return a 10th century Nepalese sculpture to its country of origin after researchers determined it had likely been originally stolen from Kathmandus Durbar Square 50 years ago. In June, the Met sent two Benin Bronzes and a brass plaque back to Nigeria.

In addition, Hollein said he wants to rethink the way the museums arts of Africa, Oceania, and the Americas are displayed. Their current home, the Michael C. Rockefeller Wing, was originally built in 1982, and the new design will include an expansion of the space and the installation of a new glass wall to better illuminate the objects. Yantrasasts renderings of the new Rockefeller Wing also include off-white stone plinths, and the general intended effect feels much more like a pristine Chelsea gallery space than a grand hall in an entrenched museum.

I dont want to criticize other museums, but more often than not, the arts of Africa and Oceania are displayed in an environment that is dark, theatrical, dramatized, Hollein told the Wall Street Journal. Yantrasast, Hollein added, has designed a contemporary environment thats respectful of the materials.

Read more:

After Years of Stumbling, the Met Museum is Changing With the Times - Observer

Ecumenical service in French Polynesia for the people of Ukraine and Russia

An ecumenical service has been held in French Polynesia to pray for the people of Ukraine and Russia, in response to last month's invasion of Ukraine.

Ecumenical service in Tahiti to pray for peace Photo: supplied

The service for peace in the world was held in Papeete, attended by the territory's five main churches as well as members of the local Ukrainian community.

Addressing the meeting, President Edouard Fritch said Polynesians, as people of the Pacific, have an ardent desire for peace.

He said the tears of the Ukrainian people are heart-breaking and seeing women, children and old people cry out in pain shows the injustice.

In February, there was a small demonstration of Russian speakers in Tahiti against Russia's military attack.

Sports bodies have called for a boycott of Russia.

NASA has confirmed that the January 15th eruption of the underwater Hunga Tonga volcano spewed ash 58 kilometres high into the atmosphere.

The highest-recorded volcanic plume of gas, steam and ash reached the mesosphere - the third layer of Earth's atmosphere.

It was 1.5 times the height of the plume from the 1991 eruption of Mount Pinatubo, in the Philippines.

Within two weeks, the main plume of volcanic material circled the globe, and volcanic aerosols are still making some sunsets in the southern hemisphere and tropics more colourful.

A former president of the Marshall Islands said the Pacific must be able to decide its future security on its terms.

Speaking at an online panel, Hilda Heine said "what is good for the region should be primarily determined by the Pacific people."

Dr Heine was joined by the former leaders of Palau, the Federated States of Micronesia, and Guam.

The leaders shared their views on a wide range of issues including the growing geostrategic interest in the Pacific.

Dr Heine said any policy or agreement that is drawn up without close consultation with the Pacific people is not appropriate.

"So, I think that's very important for us going forward. Ensuring whatever agreement that speaks to security for the region that has the interest of the Pacific people at heart," she said.

The Cook Islands have called on players based in New Zealand, Australia and England, in addition to talent from their own domestic league, for this month's Oceania Qualifiers in Qatar.

Coach Alan Taylor has included eight players in his group who play club football outside of the Cook Islands.

They include Benjamin Mata of Wellington Olympic, Tyrrell Barringer-Tahiri of AFC South London and Maro Bonsu-Maro of Manukau United.

The Cook Islands will play in the tournament's opening match against the Solomon Islands, before taking on Tahiti and Vanuatu in Group A.

Veteran internationals Kensi Tangis and Brian Kaltak headline the just-announced Vanuatu men's squad for this month's Oceania World Cup qualifiers in Qatar.

Auckland City FC defender Kaltak will captain the side in his third World Cup qualifying campaign, joining Australia-based players Jared Clark and Mitch Cooper, as the overseas representatives.

Tangis, who is one of the Vanuatu's highest-capped and scoring players, is one of five Galaxy FC players selected.

Vanuatu opens its campaign against Tahiti in Group A, before taking on the Solomon Islands and the Cook Islands.

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In brief: News from around the Pacific - RNZ

National football team takes part in first training session late in the night in Qatar

Digicel National football Coach Flemming Serritslev.

The Digicel National football team had their first training session late last night soon after landing in Qatar for the Oceania Qualifiers of the FIFA World Cup.

Coach Flemming Serritslev says they had a short session at the Qatar University Ground in Doha and he feels positive for the coming days.

Your browser does not support the audio element.

Captain, Roy Krishna is expected to join the team later this week after playing a match for ATK Mohun Bagan early tomorrow morning.

The team will face New Caledonia at 5am next Saturday in their first match.

Fijis second match is against New Zealand on March 22nd and they take on PNG on 25th March.

The semi-finals are on 27th March while the final will be played on 30th March.

See the article here:

National football team takes part in first training session late in the night in Qatar - Fijivillage

In the lead-up to the March 29 Australian federal budget, Global Citizen Oceania compiled a pre-budget submission that sets out several recommendations on exactly how leaders can use investments in international development in a way that maximises the alleviation of poverty and suffering.

Below, we break down some of the key themes in the submission, unpack spending from past budgets and explain why investing in health, climate and development throughout the Asia-Pacific will continue to pay off as the region bounces back from the pandemic.

The federal budget is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, March 29.

The budget is the government's estimate of revenue and spending, and its policy plan, for each fiscal year.

The 2022-23 federal budget is likely to outline the government's continued economic recovery plan from the pandemic and tell us what Australia will spend on international development in the coming year. Funding for other critical areas like Australian education, gender equality and the environment will also be made clear.

The most recent federal budget saw the nations international development budget for 2021-22 cut by $14 million from the year prior. Australian aid remains the least generous at any point in its history, sitting at just 0.21% of gross national income a far cry from the United Nations recommendation of 0.7%.

Since the fast-moving and unpredictable pandemic first emerged, Australia has shown true leadership, pledging more than $1 billion in additional aid investments to ensure vaccines could be produced and subsequently supplied to vulnerable Asia-Pacific communities.

The nations previous investments, however, are shortly set to run out.

"Australias current investments to protect the health of Pacific Islanders will soon expire, leaving the region, including those in Australia, exposed to the full impacts of new COVID-19 variants, William Naughton-Gravette, Global Citizen Oceanias partnerships and policy advisor, explained. The upcoming federal budget is the Australian Governments key opportunity to make a positive difference for people living in the Pacific while also simultaneously enhancing the health and security of Australians.

Further investment into COVAX a global initiative to distribute COVID-19 vaccines worldwide will be vital.

Australian advocacy groups are calling for the Australian Government to contribute at least AU$250 million to support the organisation this year. According to Naughton-Gravette, Australia must provide this contribution to ensure the most at-risk in the Pacific can access timely COVID-19 vaccines to boost coverage and protect against the emergence of new variants.

A $450 million injection into the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria during its upcoming replenishment event has also been recommended as has a $25 million pledge to support the Global Polio Eradication Initiative.

Alongside prioritising health, the Australian Government must also use the upcoming federal budget to protect Pacific Islanders against the threats of climate change. The recent environmental crisis in Tonga proves that Australias northern friends are not equipped to deal with natural disasters including those brought about by climate change by themselves.

Not only do the impacts of climate change impact outcomes for global health and vice versa, it is also true that one problem cannot be solved without addressing the other, Global Citizen Oceania wrote in its pre-budget submission. Australia can wait no longer to support the rest of the worlds efforts to take climate change seriously and act in the best interests of everyone especially those living in extreme poverty, who will always stand to feel the worst effects of climate change.

According to environmental activists, Australias current commitments to mitigate climate change are "highly insufficient."

Australias Pacific neighbours, meanwhile, are among the worlds most climate-vulnerable.

"Climate change represents the single greatest threat to the livelihood, security and well-being of Pacific people, the United Nations Development Programme reports. "Saltwater intrusion, droughts, erosion and reef degradation will force [Indigenous people] to migrate well before their land disappears beneath the ocean. In addition, diminishing freshwater supplies from saltwater intrusion and droughts affect vital food crops and food security.

Advocates throughout the region are now demanding an increase of Australias emissions reduction target to 74% by 2030 and an increase in its investment in international climate financing to the agreed fair-share of US$3.5 billion per year.

You can take action on Global Citizens platform by emailing Australias Finance Minister Simon Birmingham, Treasurer Josh Frydenberg, Foreign Minister Marise Payne and Minister for International Development and the Pacific Zed Seselja. These leaders have the power to determine the extent and breakdown of the nations aid budget.

The louder the chorus of voices, the more likely these policymakers are to listen.

Join Global Citizens across the world in taking action now.

Read the original here:

Why Australia Must Prioritise Health, Climate and Development in This Year's Federal Budget - Global Citizen

The Oceania National Olympic Committee (ONOC) says it is expecting to host International Olympic Commission (IOC) president Thomas Bach during the its 42nd General Assembly in Nadi in May. Bach has a close relationship with Oceania after having visited Fiji in 2015.

The ONOC Annual General Assembly is scheduled for May 3-8 in Nadi, Fiji which Bach has confirmed his attendance. ONOC will also officially celebrate its 40th Anniversary and open its new ONOC headquarters in Suva.

Paris 2024

ONOC secretary-general Ricardo Blas said between now and the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, athelets in the Oceania would participate at the Saipan 2022 Pacific Mini Games in the Northern Marianas (June), Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games (July-August) and the Hangzhou 2022 Asian Games (September).

The Oceania sport sector can also look forward to a vibrant, games-filled period in the Road to Paris 2024, notwithstanding the COVID-19 pandemic.

This, and a host of opportunities, are particularly important to athletes in Pacific Island countries and territories.

He said: Next year we have the Asian Beach Games in Sanya, China; the Asia Indoor and Martial Arts Games in Bangkok, Thailand; and the SOL2023 Pacific Games in Honiara.

These are all on the Road to the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics.

ONOC ready to help Tonga Olympic family

Blas said ONOC faced a time of concern after the Tonga volcano eruption of January 15 when communications was lost with the island kingdom.

He said: We were very relieved to receive a letter on 24 January from our Tonga National Olympic Committee (TASANOC) secretary-general Takitoa Taumoepeau, sharing all staff and families were well.

ONOC is ready to support TASANOC in its recovery efforts once assessments are completed and shared.

Looking back at Tokyo 2020

Reflecting on the successful Tokyo 2020 Games, Blas said, Oceania athletes benefited from partnerships that ONOC has nurtured over the years the pre-Games Training Camps in Japan and the extension of the Olympic scholarships by the Olympic Solidarity Programme helped athletes prepare during the one-year postponement.

He also said the support of the Australian government through the Pacific-Australia Sports Partnership Programme was important in the preparation of Oceania athletes and teams to Tokyo. Blas said, Tokyo 2020 was the most successful outing for many countries of the world, including for our members in Oceania.

For Kiribati, Tuvalu, Nauru and the Solomon Islands, participation in Tokyo was made possible through an Air Nauru charter through the support of Olympic Committee (IOC) president Thomas Bach and facilitation by the Nauru National Olympic Committee (NNOC) president, Hon.

Marcus Stephen and NNOC executive member and chair of Nauru Airlines Dr Kieren Keke.

ONOC support to NOCs in Tokyo

Blas spoke about the success of a continued ONOC Shared Services Programme which worked on the pooling of resources to share at the Olympics a model only the NOCs of Oceania practice.

He said, One of the most important elements of the Shared Services Programme is medical services as countries pool and share which was repeated in Tokyo.

We also had the benefit of journalist Makereta Komai on-ground in Tokyo through our partnership with the Pacific Islands News Association (PINA).

Blas also said a new element trialed in the Tokyo Games was the Hybrid Shared Services Programme where an ONOC remote Support Team supported all NOCs remotely from Fiji and Palau.

Upcoming ONOC Continental meetings

Blas also announced two upcoming meetings for the ONOC membership in Oceania.

The ONOC Secretaries-General Workshop scheduled for March 8-12 in Guam will alsoincludesports education officers,sports development officers and finance officers.

See original here:

The Fiji Times IOC boss to visit Fiji - Fiji Times

More than 1,500 institutions from across the world have submitted data to Times Higher Education to participate in the fourth edition of the Impact Rankings.

The rankings, which areopen to any university that teaches at either undergraduate or postgraduate level, are the first to measure global universities progress towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

In total, 1,525 institutions from 110 countries/regions have submitted data for the 2022 rankings, a 23 per cent increase since last year. The Impact Rankings include 18 tables one for each of the 17SDGs as well as one overall ranking.

The expanding participation rate reflects thegrowing importanceof the SDGs within higher education institutions.

Russia leads on the number of submissions for the second consecutive year, with 103 universities in the country providing data, up from 86 last year. Japan is second with 84, while Pakistan has risen to third place, with 66 institutions taking part, up from 39 in 2021.

India and Turkey are fourth with 64, while Thailand is now on a par with the UK with 55 participating institutions, up from 26.

Excluding SDG17 (partnerships for the goals), the only goal that universities must provide data on to be included in the overall ranking, SDG4 (quality education) once again received the most submissions, with 1,181 institutions volunteering information on metrics including their lifelong-learning measures and their proportion of first-generation students.

This was followed by SDG3 (good health and well-being), which received submissions from 1,103 universities, and SDG 5 (gender equality) with 939 submissions.

However, there are regional differences. For example, universities in Oceania are most likely to submit data on SDG 3, followed by 10 (reduced inequalities), 11 (sustainable cities and communities) and 16 (peace, justice and strong institutions).

The greatest regional disparity occurs for SDG 15 (life on land); 66 per cent of institutions in Oceania submit data on this goal, compared with just 31 per cent of those in Asia.

Meanwhile, only in North America do the majority of institutions submit data on SDG 2 (zero hunger) (51 per cent); this drops to 30 per cent in Europe, 37 per cent in Asia and Oceania, 42 per cent in South America and 44 per cent in Africa.

The methodology for the Impact Rankings 2022 has beenupdatedto include greater emphasis onsupport for immigrants and refugees and to reward institutions with dedicated courses on sustainability or the SDGs.

The Impact Rankings 2022 will be launched at the THEInnovation & Impact Summit on 27April.Register toattend.

View themethodology for the Impact Rankings2022.

We have compiled a list offrequently asked questionsabout our Impact Rankings, but if you have any other queries, emailimpact@timeshighereducation.com.

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More than 1500 universities submit data for impact ranking - Times Higher Education (THE)

The Oceania Athletics Championships, which is the pinnacle event within the Oceania Area for Athletics, will see the best athletes head to Mackay from June 7 to 11.

Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson said having Mackay as the host city in 2022 was an amazing opportunity and a testament to the world-class nature of the Mackay ARC (Aquatic and Recreation Complex).

He said Mackay Regional Council, through its Events Attraction Program, had worked hard to secure the event, which was expected to generate 11,725 bed nights and result in a $2.5 million dollar stimulus to the region.

To be able to boast facilities that put us on an even playing field with the capital cities of the Oceania region is a huge coup for Mackay, Mayor Williamson said.

We look forward to welcoming athletes from across the Pacific and hope they take the time to enjoy some of our regions must-do activities like see a platypus at Eungella, meet the Cape Hillsborough wallabies on the beach at sunrise or simply enjoy a meal in our City Centre, he said.

The 2022 edition of the Championships aims to maximise and highlight athletes performances in a sustainable way.

The Championships will take a new and exciting format and will be the first Area Championships to be inclusive of all age groups and abilities.

The Senior, U20 and U18 Championships will take place in their traditional format, with the Area Championships in 2022 an important stepping stone for athletes wanting to compete at World Championships, both in Eugene (Senior) and Cali (Under 20) later in the year. For the Senior Champions, it would mean an automatic qualification to the World Championships in 2022, providing being selected by their Federation.

The introduction of an Under 16 competition, into the Area Championships, is seen as an exciting development for Oceania Athletics. With school athletics being so strong throughout the region, with competitions such as the Coke Games, Colgate Games, Australian All Schools to name a few, seen as significant within their own Member Federations. The U16 competition, will take the format of Teams Competition, with teams able to enter through, Clubs or Schools, Regions, States or Member Federations.

Oceania Athletics has always had a strong relationship with Masters Athletics, and the introduction of a full range of masters events to be contested, will be a first for Oceania Athletics and the Oceania Masters Athletics Association.The event will also play host to the Queensland Masters Athletics Championships.

To be an all-inclusive event, Oceania Athletics has led the way with the introduction of Para-Events within the Area Championships program. For the first time, a full program of events will be offered throughout the Championships. Without a World Para Championships occurring in 2022, the Oceania Championships will serve as an important stepping stone in the lead up to Paris 2024.

Oceania Athletics President, Robin Sapong-Eugenio, is looking forward to the Championships in Mackay, Mackay has proven itself to host major sporting events, including athletics competitions, over the past few years, and we are pleased to be working with the Mackay Regional Council as the major partner and sponsor of the Championships.

With Covid affecting travel throughout the region over the past 2 years, this will be the first opportunity that the Oceania Family will be together in the flesh since 2019.

The Championships is going to be the most inclusive that Oceania Athletics has ever held, with athletes of all ages and abilities heading to Mackay to compete.

We cant wait to see everyone in Mackay for the Oceania Area Athletics Championships.

This will be the seventh time the Oceania Athletics Championships has been hosted in North Queensland, and the first time in Mackay.The Mackay facility, built in 2019, hosted the 2019 Oceania Masters Athletics Championships, and has gone on to host the 2020 North Queensland Championships. The facility was a beneficiary of the 2018 Commonwealth Games, with most of their equipment received from the Games.

Mackay becomes the sixth city to host both the Oceania Masters and the Oceania Championships, joining Suva, Townsville, Papeete, Apia, and Christchurch.

Oceania Athletics will follow all government regulations regarding Covid-19 including any travel restrictions, entry requirements and regulations specific to hosting events.

Previous Oceania Athletics Championships Venues:1990Suva, Fiji1994Auckland, New Zealand1996Townsville, Australia1998Nukualofa, Tonga2000Adelaide, Australia2002Christchurch, New Zealand2004Townsville, Australia2006Apia, Samoa2008Saipan, Northern Marianas2010Cairns, Australia2013Papeete, French Polynesia2015Cairns, Australia2017Suva, Fiji2019Townsville, Australia2022Mackay, Australia

Read more:

Mackay announced as host of Oceania Athletics Championships 2022 - Mackay Regional Council

More than1 in4 women worldwide have experienced domestic violence in their lifetime, new research has found, highlighting the need for investment in interventions to reduce violence against women and promote gender equality coming out of the pandemic.

An estimated 27 percent of women who have been married or have had a long-term male partner have experienced physical or sexual violence from an intimate partner, according to a recent study published in the Lancet medical journal using World Health Organization data from before the pandemic.

The study, using population-based surveys, estimated the prevalence of intimate partner violence across the world from 2000 through 2018. Researchers say that governments are not on track to meet the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which, among other ambitious goals, aims to eliminate violence against women and achieve gender parity in the next eight years.

Data was collected from 161 countries and areas, accounting for 2 million women aged 15 and older, representing 90 percent of the global population of women and girls.

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These findings confirm that violence against women by male intimate partners remains a global public health challenge, Claudia Garca-Moreno, a researcher at the WHO and one of the studys authors, said in a statement. The authors call for urgent investment in effective multisector interventions and a strengthened public health response in tackling this issue post-COVID-19.

Garca-Moreno added that although the study took place before the pandemic, the numbers are alarming and research has shown the pandemic exacerbated issues leading to intimate partner violence such as isolation, depression and anxiety, and alcohol use, as well as reducing access to support services.

The pandemic has worsened all types of violence against women and girls, the United Nations has said, though domestic violence in particular has intensified. In many places, critical resources for survivors have been diverted to immediate COVID-19 relief.

In the Lancet study, women in North America reported the highest rates of intimate partner violence among high-income regions, with an estimated lifetime prevalence of 25 percent. Prevalence of past-year domestic violence was also highest in North America, at 6 percent.

Still, most high-income regions, including Australasia, western Europe and southern Latin America, reported lower rates of physical or sexual intimate partner violence compared to more low-income areas like sub-Saharan Africa and Oceania, according to the report.

The studys authors did acknowledge the limitations of using surveys based on self-reporting, as well as gaps in data among some groups, such as those living with disabilities, Indigenous people, trans women and women in same-sex partnerships.

Given the sensitive and stigmatised nature of the issue, the true prevalence of violence that these women are subjected to by an intimate partner is likely to be even higher, the studys authors wrote.

Isabelle Younane, head of policy at the British charity Womens Aid, told The Washington Post that the Lancet report is really just the tip of the iceberg because most cases of domestic violence go unreported.

Younane said concerns over stigmatization and a lack of trust in law enforcement and the courts are commonly cited by women as reasons for not speaking out.

We must make sure that lifesaving specialist domestic abuse services are properly funded, as well as tackling the root causes of domestic abuse: challenging sexist attitudes, promoting healthy relationships, and driving a real shift in prevention, she said.

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More than 1 in 4 women worldwide have experienced intimate partner violence: study - The Hill

Although preliminary evidence suggests booster doses might enhance protection against omicron, studies are underway to fully determine vaccine effectiveness," the lancet study said.

Given the natural lag between infection and severe outcomes, we await further data on omicron for effectiveness of vaccinations in preventing severe diseasethe key intended outcome of vaccination," it added.

In the meantime, the South Africa National Institute for Communicable Diseases has shared preliminary data indicating a decoupling of infection rates from hospitalisations and deaths with omicron. These data suggest underlying immune responses following infection and that primary and booster vaccination might attenuate the course of illness," it said.

SARS-CoV-2 Omicron (B.1.1.529) was designated a variant of concern by WHO because of specific mutations that might increase transmissibility, risk of reinfection, or vaccine breakthrough infection, the lancet study said.

Many of these mutations affect the receptor-binding domain and N-terminal domain of the spike protein, which might, paradoxically, increase binding to ACE-2 while evading antibody recognition," it added.

Pandemic fades with a fifth fewer cases in a week

Meanwhile, the Covid-19 pandemic continued its retreat this week, with fewer deaths and the number of new cases decreasing in most regions of the world.

Here is a state of play based on a database.

- 22 percent drop -

After a surge which lasted for three-and-a-half months, the average number of global daily cases dropped for a third week in a row, falling back by 22 percent to 1.97 million, according to an AFP tally to Thursday.

The confirmed cases only reflect a fraction of the actual number of infections, with varying counting practices and levels of testing in different countries.

- Let up in most regions -

The situation improved in most regions of the world over the past seven days.

The number of daily cases dropped by 43 percent in the United States/Canada zone, by 35 percent in the Middle East, by 23 percent in Europe and the Latin America/Caribbean area and by 22 percent in Africa.

The situation remained almost stable in Asia, with a one percent fall in cases. They increased by the same amount in Oceania.

- Main spikes -

South East Asia and Oceania saw the biggest spike in the number of new cases this week.

New Zealand registered the biggest increase of 239 percent, followed by Hong Kong (192 percent increase), Malaysia (111 percent more), Vietnam (plus 78 percent) and South Korea (up 66 percent).

- Main drops -

Sweden saw the biggest drop of the week with 78 percent fewer cases, followed by Kazakhstan (minus 59 percent), Kosovo (minus 57 percent), Colombia (minus 55 percent) and Suriname (minus 54 percent).

- Russia overtakes US -

Russia this week overtook the US to register the highest number of new cases with an average of 187,500 infections a day, an increase of six percent.

The US fell to third place, with 119,600 cases per day -- a 44 percent drop -- well behind Germany with 180,900 cases, a decrease of six percent.

On a per capita basis, the country with the most new cases over the week was again Denmark with 5,026 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, followed by Latvia with 3,635, the Netherlands (2,877), Georgia (2,851) and Estonia (2,777).

- Deaths start to drop -

The number of Covid-linked deaths declined by seven percent globally, with an average of 10,355 per day, after an increase for five weeks in a row.

Even though the highly contagious Omicron variant led at its peak to four times more daily infections than previous waves, daily deaths remain far lower than their record high in January 2021 when they skirted 15,000.

The US again mourned the most deaths this week with an average of 2,300 per day, ahead of Brazil (841) and Russia (726).

The countries reporting the highest death rates in proportion to their population were all in the Balkans or the Caucasus with Bulgaria and Bosnia mourning nine deaths per 100,000 inhabitants, followed by Croatia on 8.5, Georgia (8.1) and Northern Macedonia (7.9).

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New data shows Omicron is spreading and infecting the vaccinated with booster dose - Mint

This week, we look at a recent intriguing trip taken by Tahiti of Oceania to play three international friendlies in Europe this monthamong the plethora of friendly internationals in Europe and the Americas during the FIFA international windowahead of their regional Oceania 2023 Women's World Cup Qualifier and regional championships this summer from July 5-31 for 11 members, with the format and host yet to be determined. We also look at the first leg of the second round matches for the 2023 Women's World Cup Qualifiers in Africa, ahead of the 12 team Women's Africa Cup of Nations Finals this summer (July 2-23) in Morocco.

Tahiti Goes to Europe for Three National Team Friendlies

Tahiti (ranked 104th among women's national teams in the latest FIFADecember 10, 2021ranking) are touring Europe this month with three friendly matches scheduled, two against Luxembourg (ranked 118th and 47th out of 52 UEFA women's national teams) and one in Andorra (ranked 170th and last in Europe) ahead of the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) Women's Nations Cup Finals, which will be the 12th edition of the regional tournament and won by New Zealand six timesthe last four in successionand former Oceania members Australia (three times) and Chinese Taipei (twice). New Zealand is already through to the 2023 Women's World Cup Finals as co-host while the best-placed team in the Oceania tournament (other than New Zealand, if they should win again as expected) would go on to the Intercontinental Playoffs, along with nine teams from the other confederations competing for two last spots in the 2023 Finals. The tour is also notable because, with the exception of New Zealand who have been able to hold men's and women's matches overseas (the Football Ferns women are currently playing in the U.S. SheBelieves Cup) Oceania countries haven't been able to leave the region for matches since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020 due to border restrictions. Tahiti's Head of Women's Football at the Fdration Tahitienne de Football Stphanie Spielmann said that, with national team players based in France and one in America, the tour will be an important opportunity to get everyone together, "The team needs to leave Oceania to gain experience. This is a great opportunity for us to play against these two European countries. This will allow us to make progress and best target the areas to be worked on." Outside of the scheduled matches, the Tahiti team will also meet with local clubs and take part in cultural exchanges as part of the trip.

Note: In the upcoming few weeks, TribalFootball.com will talk with Trina Davis (20) of Fiji, the American-born forward who, as a high schooler, guided the team to the OFC Final last term, only to be blasted by New Zealand 8-0. Fiji defeated regional power Papua New Guinea 5-1 in the semifinals; PNG had finished second in the three previous editions and third in the four tournaments before that, behind both Australia and New Zealand. Davis recently turned professional and spent time in Israel and has been called into the national team program again this spring.

Member of Tahiti's national team at practice at home before their trip to much different weather conditions in Europe to play Luxembourg and Andorra in February 2022. (Photo courtesy of Federation Tahitienne de Football).

Tahiti, part of the overseas collective of French Polynesia, has strong roots to France as does New Caledonia, who hosted the last OFC Women's Nations Cup. On the men's side, Tahitian club teams have played in early rounds of the French Cup for years. This link is shown in their current side on tour, which is using seven players based with clubs in France and one from the States. The players in the roster (see below) that are in France are currently with AS Canejan (2), ES Mosheim Ernosheim, Montpellier, Toulouse, Strasbourg and Lens. The California-born Delani Guyot played at Orange Coast Community College in the Greater Los Angeles area. Even for locally-based players, they have some distance to travel for camps in Tahiti as players for AS Jeunesse (two) and AS Team Fehiri (one) are in the Marquesas Islands, a 900-mile (3 hour) flight by plane to the capital city of Papette.

Tahiti fell 5-0 to Luxembourg on February 16 in Mamer. A second game between the two teams was held on in nearby Strasbourg in France three days later with Luxembourg winning 11-0 over the Oceania visitors.

This reporter has been closely covering the region in recent years and had extensive coverage in TribalFootball.com of the 2018 regional tournament that doubled as the 2019 Womens' World Cup Finals Qualifying tournament. It is a good thing to see an Oceania nation traveling to other confederations for friendly preparation matches. We wrote last month about Vietnam traveling to Spain for friendlies against second division club teams (which they did very well in) ahead of the 2022 Women's Asian Cup and ended up capturing a 2023 WWC spot for the first time, while the other debutantsthe Philippinesspent over two months training in California, as half of their squad currently play in the U.S. The question becomes for Oceania teams is whether they play club teams on tour like Vietnam did or international teams and, if the latter, what level of opponent they choose to play. Clearly the reason for Tahiti choosing teams in the lower 10% of UEFA teams was to stay competitive and more productive than playing a France, Sweden or even a mid-tier team like Poland, Slovenia or Turkey. This experience, plus the use of players with clubs abroad, should be advantageous in their regional competition. Tahiti will learn a lot from the conditionsplaying in cold conditions in Europe in Februarythe different style of play in Europe and other valuable lessons. Though COVID did damage to the island nations of Oceania over the past two years, the nations are putting more effort and resources into women's football. Long-time Wellington Phoenix player and former Barbadian international (originally born in Watford and who spent many years with Millwall) is now the women's national team coach of Samoa. We would like to see more teams travel and train ahead of the Oceania Finals this summer, even to New Zealand, Australia or Southeast Asia. We will continue to follow the preparations for as well as the Oceania Cup tournament later this year.

Tahiti's Women's National TeamLes Vahine Uraare touring Europe ahead of the Oceania Coupe des Nations Finals Tournament this summer. (Photo courtesy of Federation Tahitienne de Football).

Andorra, Tahiti's final opponent early next week, plays rarely and won their second ever game in September 2021 by defeating Lichtenstein 4-2 away, with a hat-trick by Tere Morat who plays with Villarreal in Spain's Liga Iberdrola (second tier). Andorra's first win came in 2014 against Gibraltar 1-0. Morat (23) was the first Andorran to ever play in the Spanish First Division, last year with Rayo Vallecano, scoring four goals in 28 games. She previously played with ENFAF Credit Andorra, the only women's side in the country, who play in the Spanish fourth division. Zoe Montero, from Spain's Levante Las Planas, is expected to make her debut with the full national team this month and scored the winning goal in her country's U-19 national team 1-0 win over Moldova last October.

Ahead of the match against Tahiti. Andorra defeated Gibraltar (who have not played enough games for a FIFA ranking) 4-1 on February 16 at home. This was their first home game in over three years since a 2-0 loss to Luxembourg in November of 2018.

Women's Africa Cup of Nations

The first leg of second round matches for the TotalEnergies Women's Africa Cup of Nations, which doubles as CAF 2023 WWC qualifiers, were scheduled for February 16-18, with the return legs on February 21-23. Morocco is through to the Finals as hosts and Kenya withdrew in January ahead of the matches, giving Uganda a berth in the twelve-team Finals this summer. Bizarrely, this week the Kenya government's sport caretaker committee tried to have the Hamarbee Starlets reinstated to play Uganda because their withdrawal was due to "suspected fraud" (by federation officials) since the government hadn't approve the request but CAF denied the petition. Kenya's Football Federation is under threat of suspension by FIFA because of the government's intervention in the sport's governing body in the country. It is sad as Kenya has been improving on the women's football side and made the Confederation Finals in 2016 in Cameroon for the only time.

First Leg Results

February 16 Matches

February 17 Matches

February 18 Matches

With the second leg to be played next week, Cameroon (with an 8-goal advantage), Burundi (a 6-goal advantage) and Tunisia (5 goals up) should be confident as they head to the Gambia, Djibouti and Equatorial Guinea, respectively for the away leg and should be home and dry for the Morocco Finals.

Burkina Faso has a healthy four goals advantage as they return home to face Guinea-Bissau and should also be through to the finals. Botswana also has an advantage (2 goals) as they return home after a 3-1 win in Harare.

Teams with narrow leads going into the return legs away include Senegal (1-0 over Mali), Togo (2-1 over Gabon) while South Africa and Nigeria travel with 2 goal advantages to Algeria and Cote d'Ivoire, respectively.

That leaves the one shocking result that we saw with the 0-0 tie at home for Zambia against Namibia. Zambia, Olympic Games Finalists last summer, was missing scoring star Barbra Banda (Shanghai Shengli of China) through injury while Rachel Kundananji (ED Eibar from Spain) and Zaragoza of Spain duo Hellen Mubanga and Racheal Nachula were not on the roster. The only other player based abroad that was on the squad besides Banda was Turkey-based midfielder Mizozi Zulu.

ZAMBIA SQUAD:

GOALKEEPERS: Hazel Nali (Unattached), Ng'ambo Musole (Zesco Ndola Girls), Catherine Musonda (Indeni Roses), Eunice Sakala (Nkwazi Queens), Aisha Mbwana (Green Buffaloes)

DEFENDERS: Fridah Nalwamba (Police Doves), Margaret Belemu, (Red Arrows), Judith Soko (YASA Queens), Patricia Lampi, Martha Tembo, Agness Musesa, Lushomo Mweemba (all Green Buffaloes), Margaret Mulenga (Lusaka Dynamos), Esther Siamfuko (Queens Academy)

MIDFIELDERS: Misozi Zulu (Hakkarigucu Spor FC -Turkey), Ireen Lungu (Green Buffaloes), Elizabeth Mupeso, Thandiwe Nkhata, Naomi Phiri (Lusaka Dynamos), Esther Banda (BUSA), Mary Wilombe, Milika Limwanya (both Red Arrows), Marjory Mulenga (Zesco Ndola Girls), Evarine Susan Katongo (Luyando Girls Foundation)

STRIKERS: Lungowe Namasiku (ZISD), Barbra Banda (Shanghai Shengli), Grace Chanda, Ochumba Oseke Lubanji (both Red Arrows), Xiomala Mapepa (Lusaka Dynamos), Eneless Phiri (Police Doves), Theresa Chewe, Maylan Mulenga (both Green Buffaloes)

Namibia countered with their wonderful attacking player and team captain. Zenatha Coleman (28), who has played in Lithuania, for Zaragoza, Valencia and Sevilla in Spain and now with Fenerbahce in Turkey, where she has 5 goals in 3 games. She scored five goals in the last round helping her nation defeat Tanzania. Defender Veweziwa Kotjipati (29) has been playing minor division ball in Germany, which has strong historical ties to the nation. Defender Lovisa Mulunga was also called in from Albany State University (Georgia) in the States. If Namibia can win their home matchheld in neighboring South Africa (Johannesburg)they would advance to the finals for the first time since they were hosts in 2014.

Togo used a goal from Ami Reine Gake in the 29th minute to take the lead over Gabon, who evened the match through Jessy Ornella Mezui Obiang's header from Vanessa Mazaly's free kick in the 59th minute. Odette Gnintegma scored Togo's winner on the brink of full time and ensured the Female Sparrowhawks went to Libreville with 2-1 advantage. Gabon used primarily a home-based side.

Burundi defeated Djibouti 6-2 in Ngozi with braces by Rukiya Bizimana and Sandrine Niyonkuru's. Burundi seems a shoe-in for their first ever African Women's Finals berth, while Djibouti has also never made the Finals.

Senegal won 1-0 in Thiels over Mali with Nguenar Ndiaye's (ASF Grand Yoff at home) 73rd minute goal. Senegal brought in six players from Europe, including four France-based players (Safitou Sagna, Nguennar Ndiaye and Meta Camara) from Bourges and Astou Ngom from Cherbourg. Two more came in late from abroad: Mama Diop and Ndeye Awa Diakhat, to supplement the local players called into the squad:

1. NDEYE MEISSA DIAW, Lyce Ameth Fall St-Louis2. TENNING SENE AFA, Grand Yoff de Dakar3. THIABA GUEYE SENE, Eagles of the Medina of Dakar4. KHADY FAYE, US Parcelles Assainie Dakar5. NDIEME LO, Eagles of the Medina of Dakar6. NDEYE NDIAYE KANE, AFA Grand Yoff of Dakar7. MAME DIARRA DIOUF, US Parcelles Assainie Dakar8. MATY CISSOKHO, US Parcelles Assainie Dakar9. MBAYANG SOW, US Parcelles Assainie Dakar10. SALIMATA NDIAYE , Lyce Ameth Fall of St-Louis11. ANTA DEMBELE, US Parcelles Assainies Dakar12. AMINATA KANTE, Eagles of the Medina Dakar13. FATOUMATA DRAMA, Kaolack FC14. JEANNETTE DOMINIQUE SAGNA, Dakar Sacr Coeur15. KORKA FALL, Eagles of the Medina Dakar16. ADJAW EDMEE ONESIMA DIAGNE, Lyce Ameth Fall of St-Louis17. BINETA KORKEL SECK, Dakar Sacr Coeur18. MAREME BABOU, US Parcelles Assainie Dakar19. JEANNE COUMBA NIANG, Eagles of the Medina Dakar20. HABSATOU MALADO DIALLO, US Parcelles Assainies Dakar21. GLADYS IRENE DACOSTA, US Sanitized Plots Dakar22. FANTA SY, Dakar Sacred Heart23. ASTOU SY, Dakar Sacred Heart24. HABY BALDE, US Parcelles Assainies Dakar

Mali's roster included nine players based in France (with AS Cannes, AJ Auxerre, Ruel Malmaisson (2), VGA St. Maur, Monaco, Orleans, Guingamp, and Nimes, with three playing in Morocco (Al Itihad Tanger, Chabab Atlas Khenifra and Chabab Atlas) and one in Turkey (Fatih Karagumruk)see roster below.

The Gambia Queen Scorpions is participating in the TotalEnergies Women's Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers for only the second time. During their debut appearance in the qualification campaign, they reached the last round of qualifying for Ghana 2018, where they lost to eventual champions Nigeria.

Head coach Mariama Sowe, said before the second round matches, "The captain Penda Bah is in town [she plays in the Nigerian Women's League] and we're expecting to have Adama Tamba [who moved to Grenoble of the French Second Division on loan this season from Gambia's Red Scorpions] before we travel, which will boost the morale of the girls. With their experience, I know they can help the team because Adama is the all-time leading goal scorer for The Gambia women's national team, while Penda Bah is the captain and a key player of the team, so both of them are used to the team."

The Gambia Football Federation and the Queen Scorpions head coach was aggressively trying to find players of Gambian descent in other nations to play for the team. Swedish-based forward Ida Mbaye (21) is one of the players called up recently and she plays in Gothenburg in Sweden and said about her call-up, "It's motivating because it's fun to have a good competition as well, so it would be exciting to meet them and, I think it would drive the girls even more to win the game. Another Gambian from Europe is Haleema Hamilton Froiland, who was born in Switzerland to a Gambian mother and now plays with FC Luzern of the Swiss Women's Super League (AWSL).

Nigerian Women's National Team Head Coach Randy Waldrum brought in 35 players to the camp to prepare for the qualifiers against Cote d'Ivoire. To reach this stage, nine-time African champions Nigeria edged the Black Queens of Ghana 2-1 on aggregate in October 2021. Waldrum has a number of players with clubs abroad, including three in Israel and one in MexicoUchenne Kanu of Tigreswho has been one of the success stories for imports in the country's women's league, which were allowed for the first time this season. Note: We will talk more about her later this month when we discuss the imports who have joined the Liga MX Femenil.

Goalkeepers: Chiamaka Nnadozie (Paris FC, France); Tochukwu Oluehi (Maccabi Kishronot Hadera, Israel); Christy Ohiaeriaku (Sunshine Queens); Yewande Balogun (USA)

Defenders: Rofiat Imuran (Rivers Angels); Glory Ogbonna (Santa Teresa FC, Spain); Onome Ebi (Minsk FC, Belarus); Osinachi Ohale (Deportivo Alaves, Spain); Ayomide Ojo (Edo Queens); Ashleigh Plumptre (Leicester City, England); Joy Duru (Nasarawa Amazons); Nicole Payne (West Virginia University, USA); Michelle Alozie (Houston Dash, USA); Akudo Ogbonna (Edo Queens)

Midfielders: Peace Efih (Kiryat Gat, Israel); Yetunde Aluko (WFC Ramat Hasharon, Israel); Amanda Mbadinuju (Bayelsa Queens); Ngozi Okobi-Okeoghene (Eskilstuna FC, Sweden); Grace Igboamalu (Bayelsa Queens); Toni Oyedupe Payne (Sevilla FC, Spain); Regina Otu (Minsk FC, Belarus); Christy Ucheibe (SL Benfica, Portugal); Rasheedat Ajibade (Atletico Madrid, Spain); Rita Chikwelu (Madrid CFF, Spain); Amarachi Okoronkwo (Nasarawa Amazons); Deborah Abiodun (Rivers Angels)

Forwards: Esther Okoronkwo (AS Saint Etienne, France); Francisca Ordega (CSKA Moscow, Russia); Desire Oparanozie (Dijon FC, France); Vivian Ikechukwu (Rivers Angels); Gift Monday (FC Robo Queens); Juliet Bassey (Bayelsa Queens); Ifeoma Onumonu (NY/NJ Gotham FC, USA); Uchenne Kanu (Tigres Femenil, Mexico); Asisat Oshoala (FC Barcelona, Spain)

Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis named 24 players for South Africa's second round matches with Algeria. South Africa lost a friendly match 3-0 on February 12 against Zambia in Lusaka. Coach Ellis has brought in eight overseas based players joining the team that travelled to Zambia, for a total of nine based abroad for the important qualifier. The squad consists of a few changes with youngster Asanda Radebe (Sunflower FC) re-joining the team as a replacement for the injured Noxolo Cesane (who has played in the Western Cape Sasol League for Cape Town Roses and spent time with East Tennessee State University in the States.

Banyana Banyana 24-woman squad to face Algeria

Goalkeepers:

Defenders:

Midfielders:

Forwards:

Defender Karabo Dhlamini is playing at Division 1 Oakland University in Rochester, Michigan (a suburb of Detroit) and captained South Africa at the 2018 FIFA U17 Women's World Cup in Uruguay in 2018. She was also with the national team at their Women's World Cup debut in France in 2019 and scored 3 goals from the back in 20 games at Oakland U. in 2021.

A surprise omission from Ellis' squad was forward Ode Fulutudilu (32), who plays at Glasgow City in Scotland and scored in a 2-0 win against Celtic on February 10. Glasgow City is second in the league with 41 pointstwo points behind leaders Glasgow Rangers (43 points with a game in hand) while Glasgow Celtic is third on 36 points. Fulutudilu also played on the 2019 WWC side in France and has played for clubs in South Africa, Spain and Finland. Letago Madiba (30), who is playing well in Turkey with Fatih Vatansport, could also be one brought in for a camp before the Finals if they make it to Morocco.

Desiree Ellis said after her team's 2-0 first leg win over Algeria, about the return leg away, "They are two-nil down, they will be different [in the second leg]. We have to make sure we don't concede because we will always create the chances. If they do open the game up, the speed of our players up front and the quick rotation of the ball would create more openings. If we keep a clean sheet and score the first goal then you can say the tie is almost over."

In Tunisia's 5-0 win over Equatorial Guinea Mariem Houij from ALG Spor in Turkey has been playing very well at the club level, scoring 14 goals in 9 games so far this season. Equatorial Guinea's Jade Boko Sayo (35 and originally born in Spain) has four goals with Servette, who are on track to win their second consecutive league title in Switzerland and made it to the Round of 16 this season in their first ever European Champions League campaign.

Tim Grainey is a contributor to Tribal Football. His latest book Beyond Bend it Like Beckham on the global game of women's football. Get yours copy today.

Follow Tim on Twitter: @TimGrainey

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The Week in Women's Football: Tahiti goes to Europe; Women's Africa Cup of Nations - Tribal Football