TB a massive problem with big challenges: WHO

 TUBERCULOSIS is an enormous problem with enormous challenges in PNG and the response that has been put in place to address it, particularly the multi-drug resistance TB, has really taken off, a doctor said. 

This message came from World Health Organisation’s (WHO) representative Dr Pieter Van Maaren during the first multi-drug resistant (MDR) and external multi- drug resistant (XDR) TB emergency response taskforce meetingin Port Moresby last Thursday.

Van Maaren said there was a joint government partner mission to Daru in Western to review the situation.

He said as the response was unfolding, there was enormous progress made. 

Van Maaren said MDR TB was a problem that required very well-coordinated approach and it was all falling into place. 

He said all the partners, the Government and the provincial governments were now heading in the same direction and the Government funding started to flow.

Van Maaren said the work was not done yet because multi-drug resistant TB did not get cured or solved overnight.

 “This is really a long term approach and from the partners. We would therefore also urge the Government to assure that the funding will continue to follow to address this problem,” he said. 

Van Maaren commended Prime Minister Peter O’Neill for his personal commitment and putting his face behind the response to TB. He said this response required high-level support.

“I am also very grateful to all our partners that have been working with us so far and I hope that this good collaboration now put into place will continue for a long time,” he said.