Tuberculosis remains a major threat to PNG. The spread of the disease is becoming more widespread, affecting larger numbers of the population. Those who have developed resistance to the most effective drugs is ever growing. For some who suffer from the highly resistant strains, there are very few options. Treatment is often long and drawn out, requiring a strict adherence to drug protocols. Effective diagnosis is crucial but can often be problematic. A feeling of being overwhelmed by the situation is often common.

OCDP continues its support of Popondetta General Hospital in its fight against TB. In conjunction with the building of a specialised TB ward, training and mentoring of the medical staff is ongoing.

Doctors who recently undertook training with OCDP discussed their concerns about TB. Early detection and diagnosis of the disease of the coughing patient is crucial. Some sick people seeking treatment, need to travel for many hours or even days to reach a health facility. Upon arrival, diagnosis and treatment then occurs late affecting the possible success of the situation.

Other health professionals explained that isolation of people with TB can occur in the community. This is often due to a lack of public awareness. The stigma of having the disease leads to sick patients being ostracized by their communities where their family and friends are based. As a result, they are forced to not only deal with managing their TB but often how they will cope with minimal or no support.

TB can be treated as Mrs Mulagwaula recently explained. As one of the administration staff at PGH, she contracted the disease. She was placed on a six-month long treatment plan which she completed. Now Mrs Mulagwaula explains that she feels well once more. Her sincere gratitude went to OCDP for the training that is being conducted at the hospital.

TB is a complex but treatable disease. However, measures need to be addressed for this to occur. OCDP assists Popondetta General Hospital to help ensure that they can best treat TB.

A new Labour Ward has been constructed at Popondetta General Hospital. This positive development for the hospital replaces a building that had first been constructed just after World War II.

Where expectant mothers give birth is an ongoing problem in PNG. Too many births still occur in the village where the chances of complications are extremely high. Often, very basically trained health professionals or those with no medical training are responsible for the birth of a baby. As well as the sanitation of the area being difficult, any complications can lead to dire results.
Mothers arriving at the new labour ward are able to access trained medical staff. They also enjoy an air conditioned, well-resourced setting to deliver their baby. An important part of the equation however, is that expectant mothers need to be able to plan to be near Popondetta General Hospital so that they can access these services when required.
The regular supply of reliable, in-date medicines is an ongoing problem within PNG. This affects all health facilities throughout the country, including Popondetta General Hospital and the Labour Ward.

Women are continually encouraged to give birth in a health facility in PNG. Maternal health rates remain high and the improvement of such facilities assists in addressing this vital issue.

The new TB ward at Popondetta General Hospital has now been completed. It will assist the Medical Ward with highly contagious patients who suffer from TB. These patients who are currently in the Medical Ward, are amongst other patients who do not suffer from TB. A lack of available space has resulted in this mix. One of the aims of the new TB ward is to reduce the presence of infectious cases on the ward.

Several Australian based foundations have donated and the structure has been constructed in partnership with many members of the Popondetta business community. This has included Sime Darby, USG and PDC. We sincerely thank these kind contributors who have assisted the hospital with this important initiative.

As well as the physical building, OCDP has continued to conduct training sessions with the medical staff at PGH. Supporting staff in their understanding of infection control measures, effective diagnosis and treatment of TB are all areas of continual follow up so that the treatment of TB can aim to be the best possible.

The new TB ward at Popondetta General Hospital will be the first of its kind in PNG. Plans for its completion are now within sight.

The roof has been completed as has the final fit out of the doors and windows. The deck surrounding the patient rooms is being installed with a sail type structure as cover between the two buildings. Plumbing and electrical services have nearly been finished. The painters will then start their work both inside and out.

The ward has six private rooms for patients with TB who are in very ill health. These people suffer from the most serious and contagious form of the disease. The ward has been designed to maximise cross flow ventilation. Family members will have access to their patient under the ‘sails’ between the two buildings or within the grounds.

Specialist nurses and doctors have had training from the OCDP medical team in caring for the patients, something that is updated regularly.