TB can be eradicated in Gulf

Stories and pictures
by JOSEPH KENA’E KA’AU
We can be completely cured from tuberculosis (TB), if it is detected in us, if we complete our medication and if we receive support, both from our families and our caregivers.
This was the simple message from teenager, Margaret Torea of Karaeta village near Kerema, when testifying of how she was cured from TB, during the launching of the of the Gulf Provincial Emergency TB Response Plan. The plan was launched in Kerema on April 12, 2018
Torea had to endure despair, duress, a sense of uselessness and she even contemplated suicide.
“But it was only by the grace of God, manifested through the caregivers and my family that I am able to stand here and speak to you,” she told those who had gathered for the launching.
Torea said it was a very difficult period in her life and she had to endure two years of consistent oral medication to be completely cured of the diseases.
“I would like to thank Dr Alexander of MSF (Medicines Sans Frontieres) and the nursing staff of the TB clinic in Kerema who were patient with me and helped me to complete my medication. The support of my family also helped greatly in healing.”
She called on everyone in Gulf who is not sure about whether it is TB or not, to get tested. Testing and medication is free of charge.
“I am cured now because I had easy access to awareness, testing, medication and support. But what about those in the remotest areas of Gulf province who do not have road or river access? This response is also for them. They must be reached,” she pleaded.
Torea also appealed to the administrators of the Gulf TB Emergency Response Plan to ensure that the bulk of K35 million earmarked for the execution of the plan was actually used on detection, medication and care-giving.
Echoing Torea’s sentiments Eileen Tugum of the Oil Search Signature Programme, who was also at the launching in Kerema, said there was no other way to eradicate TB in the province.
“You must have access to testing facilities, if positive, you must complete your medication and if you have support from your family and caregivers, you will indeed be cured from TB.”
Tugum said she also had TB, and got to a point where she even denounced the existence of God.
She is well and alive today and working to help eradicate TB in the country only because she completed her medication.