Morobe seeks better gear, quality drugs for TB cure

 MOROBE’S TB focus this year is on sustaining political commitment and accessing quality equipment and adequate supply of TB drugs, says provincial health adviser Michael Yawing.

Yawing said one of the priorities was to have access to good quality microscopic equipment and laboratory.

He said it was vital to have testing and administration of medication.

“TB can be very hard to detect and only with the availability of a good laboratory and microscopic gear will we be able to detect and treat properly. 

We cannot treat without proper equipment and labs,” Yawing said.

An ample supply of drugs reaching people, especially in rural areas, was another priority, he said.

“Supply of drugs must be available to these people at all times so that they are able to complete their TB medication, which is usually six months.”

Staff skills and training will be looked at closely. This will involve skills training for TB volunteers at community level to administer TB DOTS in their own community.

The focus is on building and strengthening more partnerships between stakeholders, especially at community levels, Yawing said. 

This calls for families to play a part and be actively involved in the programme.

“Morobe has achieved a lot of its TB targets. Unlike other provinces, Morobe is not facing a serious situation such as the multi-drug resistant tuberculosis and extreme TB cases,” Yawing said.

“Morobe has a good partnership with its stakeholders and volunteers on the TB programme and we are able to work together to administer TB DOTS to TB patients.  

“Our partners, especially volunteers, ensure that TB patients stay on drugs and complete it for full six months.”

Yawing said more awareness and improved advocacy would be done this year to continue the fight against TB.

 “We will be doing more awareness and advocacy for patients that they must get treatment.

“Not only that, but awareness is being carried out for healthy living. People need to take ownership. This means accessing good air, good food, good water, good shelter and good environment. 

“If people are unaware of this, then they get sick so prevention is better than curing.”