But does TB screening of migrants help find more cases? Dr Paul Douglas, Chief Medical Officer in Department of Immigration, Australia, said 56% of active TB cases in Australia were picked up through screening in overseas-born.
Dr Douglas emphasized that Australia follows WHO's systematic screening for active TB principles and recommendations of 2013, main aim of which is to ensure active TB cases get treated, risks of poor outcomes are reduced, and risk of social consequences as well as transmission are minimal.
Dr Douglas said that addressing TB in migrants is for global public health good as it is an intervention or service whose benefits cross borders and profit communities. It is one of the "most important (public health) priorities for TB control and prevention!"
Dr Dakulala shared "We are able to manage TB in migration across borders - much better than ever before! Both sides (Australian and PNG sides) have better dialogue and protocol on this issue. Screening does happen to get TB patients who are natives of PNG to come for care. Access and equity are important issues in border areas and so we need to work harder to respond to migration issues."
HIV-TB and Diabetes-TB
"HIV co-infection is also high in Papua New Guinea. Our epidemic is a concentrated one - we need to deal with TB and HIV co-infection better. We have not done well on that and this is part of our new strategy and we do aim to deal with it. Likewise we also need to respond better to TB and diabetes co-morbidity" said Dr Dakulala.
Paradox of plenty? Integrated development is key!
According to the World Bank, Papua New Guinea's economy performed strongly from around the mid-2000s. Papua New Guinea is rich in gold, oil, gas, copper, silver, timber, and is home to abundant fisheries. Approximately USD 1 is equivalent to PNG Kena 0.36. But fight against TB did not made gains like most other high burden nations.
(Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher).
1
