DOTs programme starts in Central

By SHIRLYN BELDEN
CENTRAL is the latest recipient of the National Tuberculosis Directly Observed Treatments (DOTs) programme being implemented by HOPEworldwide Papua New Guinea to combat tuberculosis.
The TB DOTs programme was established in 2007 and exists in eight provinces already. 
The national TB DOTs programme aims to combat TB incidences and mortality by providing strategic ways in working directly with health workers, patients and the community in  provinces.
The programme was officially launched yesterday in Port Moresby by Central provincial government representative Rev Waru Lofa Loea on behalf of Central Governor Alphonse Moroi. 
National TB programme manager Dr Paul Aia of the Department of Health presented the keys to a 10-seater Land Cruiser to the Central provincial administration to aid the programme in the province. 
Aia said PNG had a high record of TB incidences and mortality, which needed to be challenged by having programmes like this in place.
“TB is one of the top 10 diseases of morbidity and mortality in PNG health facilities; it kills more than any other infection,” he said.
“TB and HIV/AIDS work together, where HIV weakens the immune system and TB kills the person,” he said.   
The TB DOTs programme is a five-year initiative of the Health Department and is partnered with HOPEworldwide, Jane Thomson Associate International and World Vision in implementing it.
It is funded by the Global Fund at a cost of K21 million.
The programme will end in September 2012, with eight provinces yet to receive the national programme. 
HOPEworldwide country director Tessa Te Mata said there was a big need to control TB in Central.
She said the programme was part of the national TB programme and was expected to detect 70% of TB cases and cure 85% of them by the end of the next year. 
Loea thanked the programme partners HOPEworldwide (PNG), Department of Health, World Vision and Jane Thomson Associates International for the initiative.