Giant step in TB campaign

 PAPUA New Guinea now records a case detection rate of 61% and a treatment success rate of 69% for tuberculosis (TB) – a giant step from the situation before 2005, Health Minister Michael Malabag says.

He revealed the statistics at the World TB Day celebrations at the Sir John Guise Stadium last Sa­turday.

Malabag said it meant that some strategies in addressing TB were working, including the directly observed therapy short course treatment strategy (DOTS) that had made a significant impact.

He added that the programme, through DOTS, had forged partnership in implementing the TB strategy in all provinces.

“Fixed dosed drug combinations are provided free and TB co-infection with HIV is being addressed and Gene Xpert machines are now available in strategic hospitals in PNG for detection and early treatment of multi-drug resistant TB,” Malabag said.

“I would like to acknowledge the support of provinces and partners especially, World Vision International, JTA, Hope Worldwide, AusAID, WHO and other partners including the volunteers. With your active involvement, DOTS has reached 22 provinces from 2007 to 2012.” 

Malabag said the Global Fund would provide US$13 million as bridging grants to complement the government funding of K15 million for programme until next year.