Health
TUBERCULOSIS: THE SCOURGE OF PNG BY BRONWEN GORA
Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the planet’s oldest preventable diseases. Yet in Papua New Guinea it has long been an epidemic and a leading cause of death. Here, the highly contagious lung disease has one of the highest prevalence rates in the world. About 30,000 people in PNG every year contract TB – in 2018 alone 37,000 contracted the disease and 4500 died – and now the arrival of COVID-19 has resources battling TB outbreaks stretched to the limit. The airborne bacteria that cause TB thrive in the tropics. These bacteria proliferate in overcrowded areas and, when contracted, usually targets the lungs creating symptoms of severe cough, sometimes with blood, along with weakness, chest pain, weight loss, fever and night sweats. TB remains particularly problematic in PNG because the country is among just over a dozen worldwide threatened by three main strains of the bacteria: those that are easier to treat, those that are multi-drug-resitant and those that are extensively drug resistant. Health authorities such as childfund.org.au are concerned the heavy focus on combating COVID-19 will allow a rise in multidrug resistant TB, the most virulent strain, which requires around two years of expensive treatment, which even then delivers only a 50% success rate. Further complicating matters
of patients do not complete their treatment, according to World Vision. Furthermore, up to 90% of Papua New Guineans live in remote rural areas where access to health services is limited. Fortunately, however, TB is largely preventable through simple practices.
Health authorities are concerned the heavy focus on combating COVID-19 will allow a rise in multi-drug resistant TB. is that treatment for even the regular strain of TB demands precise dosages of medication at the right times for six months minimum. Not surprisingly, 20%
24 PNG NOW DECEMBER 2021 – JANUARY 2022
Chief among them are: Early diagnosis Deemed the most effective way of reducing spread when followed by medication. Seek medical attention if you develop a nasty, painful cough with fever. Once a person starts medication it takes about two weeks for them to be no longer infectious. But should they remain undiagnosed and unmedicated, a contagious person can infect up to 15 other people over several months. Vaccination 80% effective against TB for 15 years. Healthy diet & clean living Up to 60% of adults with strong immune systems can ward off TB according to TBAlert.org. Good ventilation Open windows, doors and get as much fresh air as possible because TB particles thrive in enclosed environments for several hours. Bright natural light The sun’s UV rays kill TB bacteria. Hygienic practices Cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing to help prevent the spread of TB.
