OSF supports Hela Provincial Hospital with a new TB facility 10^th Sep 2021

Tuberculosis (TB) is a preventable and treatable disease which remains prevalent in many countries across the world. Papua New Guinea has one of the highest rates of TB in the Western Pacific.

Ensuring health centres are well equipped to fight this disease is important in preventing its spread. Identifying potential TB sources and treating individuals who are infected or actively ill is very important.

Oil Search Foundation (OSF) has supported the Hela Provincial Hospital, to strengthen TB diagnostic and treatment services over the past three years.

The recent official opening of the Hela Provincial Hospital Cough Clinic will encourage any person with a cough to seek much needed help in a comfortable setting.

This Cough Clinic is a standard TB clinic, just like any other Basic Management Unit that provides TB screening, diagnosis, treatment, education, and HIV services. It was designed in accordance with the National Department of Health’s (NDOH) standards and meets infection control measures.

During the official handover ceremony, CEO for Hela Provincial Health Authority Dr James Kintwa said, “Since 2018, the Hela Hospital has supported over 450 people to complete the recommended six-month treatment course. This means many families and communities have been spared the grief and trauma of unnecessary deaths and 450 people get to live full and productive lives.”

OSF Senior Health Advisor, Dr Vincent Pyakalyia said, “This new clinic is a culmination of capacity building activities carried out during the height of COVID-19 lockdown restrictions in 2020. Following the establishment of this facility, we delivered TB program trainings, refurbished, and installed the Gene Xpert unit at the Magarima TB Clinic – (a partnership with NDOH), and donated furniture, microscopes, and fridges all to other centres across Hela.”

“This support to HPHA will ensure they accelerate the development of better treatment regimens to tackle this disease in the province.  Such includes treatment initiatives, awareness raising and helping people access diagnosis treatment and support.” adds Pyakalyia.

If you have had a persistent cough (perhaps with blood), chest pains, weakness, weight loss, fever and night sweats please get tested for TB. Treatment and care are available and can change your life.