The media’s role in advocating for tuberculosis in Papua New Guinea is vital, as PNG is in a time when the daily infectious continues to increase.
National Health Department’s, Disease Control and Surveillance Manager, Doctor Lucy John says: “while TB is a public health threat”, the media will play its role, with the dissemination of information.
A nationwide campaign to reduce and stop TB in PNG was launched, that will be driven by the media fraternity.
The theme ‘Stop TB in My Life Time, Find Treat and Cure’, aims to increase the detection and cure rate, through the DOTS treatment. This is to achieve the global target of 85 percent.
PNG has recorded the highest prevalence rate in the Pacific, second within the Asia Pacific Region.
Despite a sharp increase in the TB trend case notification over the last six years, Dr John said the detection quality is still poor. This was due to lack of adequate diagnostic infrastructure and capacity in provinces.
Ownership and implementation of the National Stop TB Strategy must start with bureaucrats at the national level, to improve the socioeconomic indicators.
With the subsequent health system, this will strengthen the effective control and gradual decline of TB.
TB specialists Dr Joseph Bana Koiri pointed out that volunteering is no free; treatment support centers should be established by public and private organizations.
World TB day will be held on the 24, this month.
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