Paediatric cardiologist Dr. Diane Olita’a, from the Paediatric Society of Papua New Guinea, conducted a two-day heart screening for children in Enga Province, identifying 51 cases of potential heart conditions.
Dr. Olita’a arrived on Wednesday from the Southern Highlands as part of a national initiative led by the National Department of Health in collaboration with the Operation Open Heart Foundation, and co-funded by the Enga Provincial Health Authority (PHA).
Out of 57 suspected cases, 51 children were screened during her visit. The screenings are a vital step toward providing timely intervention and treatment for children with heart issues in the province.
Dr. Olita’a praised the cooperation and warmth she experienced during her visit, saying, “Despite the negative portrayals on social media, I found Enga to be a place of healing, it felt like therapy.”
As a result of the screenings, three children will be referred to Port Moresby General Hospital for further evaluation and potential heart surgery.
The paediatric cardiology program, supported by the Operation Open Heart Foundation, continues to focus on improving access to specialized care for children, especially in remote areas.
The Enga PHA aims to make the screenings an annual event to ensure consistent medical attention for the children in the region.
In the bustling corridors of Port Moresby General Hospital (PMGH), a touching tale of resilience and compassion unfolds through the remarkable journey of Jay, a spirited 13-year-old.
Jay faced the daunting aftermath of severe lung damage, a result of his grueling battle against a severe infection.
Jay is among the 7,000 children in Papua New Guinea affected by Tuberculosis (TB), posing a significant health challenge to our nation.
In 2023, Papua New Guinea witnessed a surge in tuberculosis cases, exceeding 40,000—a sharp rise from the approximately 30,000 cases recorded in 2022.
In Papua New Guinea, children make up an alarming 26% of tuberculosis cases, significantly higher than the global average of 10%.
This surge is attributed to factors like delayed treatment, under-equipped health centers, and staffing challenges, with community transmission playing a key role.
Detecting tuberculosis in children poses challenges due to vague symptoms; however, efforts spearheaded by the National TB Program and the Paediatric Society aim to bolster diagnosis and treatment.
A clinic staff member confidently using the Paediatric TB flip chart to provide health talks to patients.
These efforts involve training healthcare professionals, implementing improved testing methods, and enhancing treatment options for drug-resistant TB and TB-HIV co-infection.
To address this issue, the Paediatric Society of PNG (PSPNG) launched the Child TB-HIV Project, funded by the PNG Australia Partnership, in collaboration with the National TB Program (NTP), National Department of Health, PMGH, and the School of Medicine and Health Sciences, is enhancing testing and detection of child TB cases.
In addition, PSPNG and the NTP have made groundbreaking strides by introducing child-friendly TB medicine, a remarkable accomplishment not just for Papua New Guinea but also on a global scale.
This partnership is at the forefront of updating guidelines and equipping healthcare workers with the latest skills.
At Port Moresby General Hospital, the number of children receiving TB treatment has increased from 435 to 900 in 2023.
Moreover, a greater number of children have experienced the advantages of a shorter 3-month treatment regimen compared to the previous 6-month.
Despite the obstacles presented by DR-TB, managing treatment has improved, and Papua New Guinea (PNG) is prioritizing the provision of the latest treatment and child-friendly medications to children.
Additionally, the outreach program in the National Capital District (NCD) and Central Province ensures continuous treatment for children with HIV.
Dr. Gordon Pukai, a paediatrician at Port Moresby General Hospital, emphasises the importance of completing the full course of medicine to eradicate TB, stating, “TB is curable, and the treatment is free.”
Badili TB clinic staff and community treatment supporters with outreach coordinator Raymond Simon.
“Caregivers should be vigilant for symptoms such as prolonged cough, fevers, night sweats, weight loss, and chronic sickness in children.
“It’s crucial to ensure that children receive all doses of immunization to protect them from preventable diseases and promote overall health,” said Dr Pukai.
As we observe World Health Day on 7 April, let’s renew our commitment to ending childhood TB in Papua New Guinea and ensuring a healthier future for all children.
Together, let’s strive towards a TB-free nation where every child receives the care they deserve.
