PNG TB Highest in the Western Pacific

Papua New Guinea has the second highest Tuberculosis rate in the Western Pacific Region.

This makes it the third most reason for hospital mortality and admission apart from HIV-AIDS and Malaria.

According to the Medecins San Frontieres, the National Capital District alone reports 6-thousand cases annually - one of the highest recorded incidences worldwide.

The M-S-F PNG Coordinator Shahidul Islam, said they are helping the N-C-D and Gulf province to eradicate T-B.

Mr. Islam said, the prevalence rate increases, as a result of poor health facilities, shortage in human resource and the emerging threat of drug-resistant T-B.

Mr. Islam, said their objective over the next five years, is to provide support to establish a replicable and sustainable T-B care system through capacity building, especially in hot spot areas.