A new tuberculosis (TB) drug for children was launched today by the PNG Paediatric Society, in partnership with World Health Organisation, National Department of Health, NCD Health, Port Moresby General Hospital (PMGH) and Exxon Mobil.
Dr. Henry Welch, Paediatric Society President, who is also a doctor at the PMGH said the drug is dissolvable and would be easier to be given to children.
Dr. Lucy John from the National Department of Health says that reasons why children get TB in most cases are because the parent has it. However, she says TB is curable and the new drug is the government’s next defence in reducing the number of cases of TB in children.
Main donors for the pilot project being rolled out in Port Moresby are Australian Aid, who will be supporting through a grant of K542,000. Australian Aid will be partners in the roll out process throughout the country.
The TB drug has been used with success in three other African countries.
