TUFI TB EXAMINATION ROOM AND TESTING LABORATORY
The tuberculosis epidemic in Papua New Guinea
Papua New Guinea has one of the highest prevalence rates of tuberculosis (TB) in the world – second in the Western Pacific region – with 30,000 new cases reported every year. TB is caused by airborne bacteria affecting the lungs. It’s one of the oldest known diseases in the world and is also preventable and curable. The symptoms include coughing – sometimes with blood, chest pains, weakness, weight loss, fever and night sweats. This disease thrives in overcrowded areas and is one of Papua New Guinea’s leading causes of death.
No Roads Expedition Foundation is working closely with the PNG Health Department and has a focus on TB treatment in Oro Provence. Currently, the local Health Workers take samples of presumptive TB patients and the sputum samples need to be transported to Popondetta Hospital for examination under microscope. This costs money for boat transport costs and takes considerable time and effort.
NREF have been requested to provide money and resources to renovate an old disused storge building and convert it into a TB ventilated patient Examination Room, ventilated TB sample testing laboratory, and a secure storage room for medical and first aid supplies.
The Tufi Health Centre have determined this to be a priority project, along with NREF training of Village TB Volunteers to assist with the in-village management of the TB program. A team of Australian volunteer builders have donated their time and are scheduled to carry out the works in October 2025.