Health workers in Hela undergo training

More than 20 health workers in Hela Province will undergo specific tuberculosis (TB) training as efforts to contain the spread of the disease are mobilized.

The health workers will be given training on ‘Directly Observed Treatment’ (DOTS) placing them at the frontline of the TB fight.

The training comes as a result of a strengthened partnership between the Oil Search Foundation (OSF) and the Hela Provincial Health Authority (HPHA).

In a statement OSF Deputy Director, Kymberley Kepore said the Foundation works within existing government systems while continuously building on stakeholder relationships to enhance health service delivery.

“TB is a major threat throughout PNG and Hela is no exception. OSF will continue to work with our partners with the long term goal of stopping the spread of TB in the province,” says Kepore.

Acting HPHA Chief Executive Officer, Dr. James Kintwa, praised the work of all stakeholders to improve the hospital’s response to TB.

“TB is a major threat and to see OSF partnering with the PHA to address this threat is a positive sign of strong working relationships needed to address the health challenges of Hela going forward.”

A 2014 National TB Program (NTP) report states that Hela province’s response to TB was insufficient, prompting the HPHA to request for an OSF initiated program-based support to improve TB service delivery at the hospital.

Aligning with National Department of Health policies, OSF medical officers worked with staff to improve referral pathways, diagnosis, treatment and documentation of TB patients’ records.

Since then OSF has supported the recruitment of a TB nurse, diagnosed and helped two patients successfully complete the intensive phase of Multi-Drug Resistant TB (MDR TB), completed quarterly reports for TB for the years 2016 and early 2017; provided on-going in-service for staff, and increased TB awareness activities across the Province.

OSF has also purchased four microscopes for the TB program and will put them to use around the province, following another training planned for November this year.

Author: 
Cedric Patjole