High number of TB cases in PNG, says Aussie

 PNG has the highest number of tuberculosis (TB) cases in the Pacific region with more than 20,000 new cases diagnosed every year, it was revealed during World TB Day last Saturday.

Australia’s ambassador for TB, HIV/AIDS and malaria, James Gilling, said an estimated rate of new infections was 346 cases per 100,000 people. 

He said TB and poverty were linked and that poor living and working condition contributed to the spreading of the communicable disease.

Gilling said TB contributed to economic and social distress and was one of PNG’s biggest development obstacles. 

“Australia provides funding to the Global Fund to support PNG’s TB, HIV and malaria plans,” he said.

“In addition, Australia also provides support to PNG in areas of research to detect drug resistance, financial support to the World Health Organisation to provide technical assistance to the National Department of Health and targeted assistance of K62 million to help the PNG government address TB in Western.

NCD Governor Powes Parkop said earlier that he was disappointed with the lack of support by the health department for his proposed ban of betel nut.