MSF AUSTRALIA | PAPUA NEW GUINEA 2021

Key activities funded by Australian and New Zealand donors in 2021

In Papua New Guinea (PNG), Médecins Sans Frontières focused on improving tuberculosis (TB) care, particularly for patients with drug-resistant forms of the disease.

In July 2021, handover of the TB project in Kerema to health authorities after seven years was completed, with support to ensure the program’s ongoing viability. The program included screening, diagnosis, inpatient care, awareness-raising activities and patient follow-up. Of the almost 4,000 TB patients diagnosed between 2014 and 2021, more than 2,000 completed their treatment and 1,000 were cured.

Screening contacts in the community

In the capital, Port Moresby, activities in the Six Mile district were expanded after Médecins Sans Frontières noticed that a significant proportion of new multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) patients were coming from this area. We implemented activities to curb the spread of the disease by screening contacts of confirmed TB patients and offering them preventive treatment. Médecins Sans Frontières also assisted with the rehabilitation of government facilities and the construction of a new TB clinic and laboratory.

For MDR-TB patients, Médecins Sans Frontières initiated treatment with all-oral regimens that improved treatment outcomes.

Supporting during COVID-19

While PNG did not experience major COVID-19 outbreaks until March 2021, the rapid increase in cases after that stretched the health system to the point of collapse. Médecins Sans Frontières supported a national treatment facility in Port Moresby, which had 43 beds for moderately to severely ill patients.

IMPACT

12,023 consultations and 4,280 screenings for TB conducted, and 788 patients initiated on treatment. The outcomes success rate was 92 per cent.

PROJECT STAFF

126

FUNDING

TOTAL $6,066,428

AU $3,900,000

NZ $211,919