TB programme aims to reduce spread

TUBERCULOSIS (TB) is a major public health crisis in PNG that impacts people’s livelihoods and the economy.
The Health Department, together with development partners and non-government organisations (NGOs), are working together to reduce the spread of the disease.
Since 2016, Oil Search Foundation (OSF) has been working alongside the Hela health authority (PHA) to bring the necessary medical help and education needed to treat TB in local communities.
OSF executive director Stephanie Copus-Campbell said: “OSF’s ongoing support to Hela PHA has resulted in the training of two specialist TB nurses, facilitated numerous in-house trainings for other health staff and supported the successful treatment of drug-resistant TB patients.
“Through our longstanding and relationships with PHA and the Catholic church health services, OSF has helped to form the TB working group committee to help coordinate TB programme activities and provide a link to the national TB programme and other national partners.”
Copus-Campbell said OSF was supporting the PHA to refurbish and strengthen two TB treatment facilities known as basic management units in Koroba and Margarima hospitals.