Lae group hoping to combat TB through awareness programmes

By EHEYUC SESERU
A CIVIL society organisation in Lae, Morobe, is taking the lead with community and household programmes to fight tuberculosis (TB).
The Lahi Anti-TB association is running advocacy programmes in communities aimed at ending TB.
The association consists of survivors of the disease and supporters.
Chairman, Pastor Ninits Elafoan, said they have been engaging with the communities.
“The health department cannot overcome TB by itself, they need community input,” he said.
“We talk to community leaders and do checks on those who are building new houses to ensure they are well-ventilated.”
Elafoan said if community and civil society stood up they could help the department and donors eradicate the disease in the city and province.
“We’re looking forward to driving initiative forward,” he said
“We are now at a stage of mobilising survivors who will help in advocating.
“It won’t just be ward one of Lae urban, but all communities. We will have more survivors coming in to be mobilised, sensitised and educated on TB.
“So they can go out into the communities to spread messages about the disease.
“This is because most have overcome stigma themselves and know what TB is.
“They’ll share their testimonies as well.” Elafoan said when he was better informed about TB, he felt a responsibility to advise others about it.
“So if other community leaders are better informed about the disease, they’ll take the challenge.
“It’s just that they are not exposed to the knowledge.
“They will rise up and take the initiative.”