The media’s role in advocating for tuberculosis in Papua New Guinea is vital at this time when daily infections continue to increase.
National Health Department’s Disease Control and Surveillance Manager, Doctor Lucy John says, “while TB is a public health threat”, the media must play its role, with the dissemination of information.
A nationwide campaign to reduce and stop TB was launched that will be driven by a media fraternity. The theme “Stop TB in my lifetime: find, treat and cure” aims to increase the detection rate through the DOTS treatment.
This is to achieve the global target of 85%. PNG has recorded the highest prevalence rate in the Pacific; second within the Asia Pacifc region. Despite the sharp increase in the TB trend cases notification over the last 6 years, Dr John said the detection quality is poor.
This is due to inadequate diagnosis, infrastructure and capacity in provinces. Ownership and implementation, the national Stop TB strategy, must start with bureaucrats at the national level to improve the socio-economic indicators.
With the subsequent health system this will strengthen the effective control and gradual decline of TB.
TB Specialists & Consultant Physician, Dr Joseph Bana – Koiri, pointed out that volunteering is not free. Treatment support centres should be established by public and private organizations.
The World TB Day will be held on the 24th of this month.
