Parkop: Spitting betelnut linked to spread of TB

 NATIONAL Capital District Governor Powes Parkop believes that spitting of betelnut spittle is linked to the spread of tuberculosis.

In his message on World TB Day, he urged betelnut chewers to be aware of the health risks associated with spitting in the spread of communicable diseases such as tuberculosis.

“My intentions of banning buai in the city apart from the need to keep Port Moresby clean are very much for health reasons as well, in particular from the spitting of betelnut,” he said.

“While residents are enjoying their betelnut, they could not care less about the cleanliness and hygiene of the city, littering at will and spitting carelessly without considering fellow residents.

“This attitude has in one way or the other contributed to health problems in the city. Arguably if TB is spread easily by spitting, then surely betelnut contributes to the spread of the disease in some ways.

“This reinforces my emphasis on our approach to our welfare in life and the careless manner in which betelnut spittle is spat is a case for concern.”