PM O’Neill on World TB Day: “Work together to overcome TB
That is the very clear message from the Prime Minister, Hon. Peter O'Neill CMG MP, on World Tuberculosis Day this year as he called on people around the nation to continue to take action in their homes and communities.
PM O'Neill also thanked the people of Australia for their Government's ongoing partnership with Papua New Guinea to fight TB.
With TB affecting thousands of people in Papua New Guinea, the Prime Minister said the Government is increasing investment in healthcare infrastructure and medical staff to turn the tide against the disease but he said everyone must do their part.
"TB is preventable and this comes down to cleanliness and hygiene for everyone," PM O'Neill said.
"This involves simple actions that such as always covering your mouth when you cough and always wash your hands.
"I also call on people who chew buai to be respectful of others and do not spit in public places. TB can be easily spread by people who spit - so I ask you to respect other people in your community and not do this."
PM O'Neill said TB is curable but people must take action.
"Everyone needs to be aware of the TB symptoms and seek medical help if they experience night sweats, coughing for more than two weeks, extreme weight loss or ongoing tiredness.
"There is a cure for TB and it is free at the nearly 300 TB Clinics that are throughout Papua New Guinea.
"If you have TB symptoms you should visit a TB clinic or any medical centre and they will help you and make you better."
PM O'Neill further called on people to help their family members who are taking TB medicine to ensure they take their full course of drugs.
"If you do not take your full course of medicine, even if you think you are feeling better, you risk becoming drug resistant.
"People who are given TB medication must take every last tablet or the TB will come back even worse and this is how many people die.
"I ask all family members to know that your relatives take their full course of TB medicine."
PM O'Neill expressed appreciation for the ongoing support that has been extended by Australia's Foreign Minister, Hon. Julie Bishop MP, to fund TB programs in Papua New Guinea, as well as regional research and development initiatives.
"Australia recently announced a AU$15 million package to fight TB in Papua New Guinea and this is saving lives around our country. We thank Foreign Minister Bishop for her concern to continue the fight against TB.
"The further announcement by Minister Bishop of AU$30 million for diagnostic tests and drug treatments though Product Development Partnerships is also a very important step in dealing with TB and will be well received around the region."
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