Aust gives K43m boost for TB fight

THE fight against increasing incidences of tuberculosis (TB) in PNG has been boosted with an additional A$20 million (K43 million) by the Australian government, Australian Foreign Minister Bob Carr announced yesterday.
The money is separate A$11 million commitment from AusAID and was allocated to cure at least 85% of TB cases in Western by establishing medical services and training centres.
Carr said PNG had the highest number of TB cases in the Pacific, with Western having an increasing problem of drug-resistant TB cases.
 “Western has some of the worst health indicators, including high maternal and infant mortality rates and low life expectancy,” he said.
“It is prime territory for an intensive health campaign to reduce TB rates by detecting cases early and ensuring high-quality local care.
“The A$20 million allocated will rebuild local TB clinics, improve medical training and ensure the easy availability of detection and treatment services.
“We’re aiming for early detection of up to 80% of infectious TB cases in Western and a cure for 85% of patients.