Neftaly: Strengthening Implementation of the Papua New Guinea TB Care and Prevention Strategy
Overview
Tuberculosis remains a major public health challenge in Papua New Guinea (PNG), with high incidence and treatment gaps threatening progress toward ending the epidemic. In 2013, the Case Notification Rate (CNR) for bacteriologically confirmed new and relapse TB cases stood at 43 per 100,000 population, while the Treatment Success Rate (TSR) was 68% in 2012. Neftaly is committed to strengthening the implementation of the PNG TB care and prevention strategy to significantly improve TB detection and treatment outcomes by 2020.
Goal
To enhance TB control efforts in PNG by increasing the CNR from 43 to 93 per 100,000 population and raising the TSR from 68% to 88% by 2020 through strengthened local TB care and prevention strategies.
Strategic Objectives
1. Increase Case Notification Rate (CNR)
- Strengthen active TB case finding strategies including community outreach, contact tracing, and screening in high-risk populations.
- Expand access to and use of rapid diagnostic tools such as GeneXpert for early and accurate bacteriological confirmation.
- Improve diagnostic capacity at health facilities through training and resource provision.
- Enhance awareness campaigns to promote TB symptom recognition and timely health-seeking behavior.
2. Improve Treatment Success Rate (TSR)
- Strengthen patient-centered treatment support systems, including adherence counseling and peer support networks.
- Expand community-based Directly Observed Treatment (DOT) programs to improve adherence and reduce default rates.
- Enhance health worker capacity in TB case management and monitoring.
- Implement robust follow-up mechanisms and timely management of treatment side effects and complications.
3. Strengthen Health Systems and Data Management
- Improve TB surveillance and reporting systems for accurate and timely data to inform program decisions.
- Use data analytics to identify gaps in case detection and treatment outcomes, targeting interventions accordingly.
- Promote coordination between national, provincial, and local levels to ensure aligned and efficient TB responses.
4. Engage Communities and Partners
- Collaborate with community leaders, civil society, and development partners to mobilize support and resources for TB control.
- Promote stigma reduction activities to encourage community participation and treatment adherence.
- Foster multisectoral approaches addressing social determinants that impact TB transmission and outcomes.
Expected Outcomes
- Increased CNR for bacteriologically confirmed new and relapse TB cases from 43 to 93 per 100,000 population by 2020.
- Improved TSR from 68% to 88%, reflecting better treatment adherence and completion rates.
- Enhanced diagnostic and treatment capacity within local health systems.
- Greater community engagement and reduced stigma contributing to sustainable TB control.
Conclusion
By reinforcing the implementation of PNG’s TB care and prevention strategy, Neftaly is contributing to saving lives and reducing the TB burden. This concerted effort to improve case detection and treatment success is pivotal to ending TB as a public health threat in Papua New Guinea.