By Fabian Hakalits – EM TV, Port Moresby
Sources from the Daru General Hospital, in Western Province, have revealed the increasing number of clinical staff contracting the dangerous multi-drug resistant TB.
Two more clinical staff contracted the multi-drug resistant tuberculosis; bringing the total to eleven medical staff who are now under treatment.
While efforts have been put to control the epidemic, statistics are alarming with increased cases; patients are diagnosed daily with the bacteria.
Two weeks ago, EM TV visited the site and after conducting investigations, it was found that nine clinical staff had contracted the bacteria, eight of who were diagnosed with multi-drug resistant TB, and one with extensively multi-drug resistant TB, housed in the isolation ward.
But as of today, reports reaching EM TV have indicated that two more cases have been detected and one’staff member is also awaiting results of tests.
Chief Executive Officer of World Vision Australia, Tim Costello, is concerned about the widespread TB crisis hitting Daru, and the Western Province as a whole, and described it as “scary business.”
World Vision will work closely with the Papua New Guinea National Health Department, and other partners, to combat the TB crisis.
Related articles:
TB Control Programs Face Need Additional Funds
TB Provincial Statistics
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