Report on TB uncovers widespread impact of epidemic on children in Papua New Guinea

ChildFund Australia
Sept. 7, 2016, 4:27 p.m.
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Globally, more than 140,000 children die each year and one million become sick from tuberculosis.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - August 23, 2016: Over the past three years, tuberculosis (TB) has killed 9,000 people in Papua New Guinea (PNG), with children accounting for 26 per cent of detected cases, according to a new report released today by ChildFund Australia.

The report, written by award-winning journalist Jo Chandler, uncovers the full impact of the TB epidemic on one of Australia’s closest neighbours, including its youngest victims. With some of the worst human development indicators globally, PNG is struggling to manage one of the highest TB prevalence rates in the world.

Calling for a coordinated and urgent response, the report highlights the extreme disparity between conditions for children and families in PNG versus a developed country like Australia: 50 years ago, TB vanished from the wealthy world, yet today it is killing thousands of children in PNG and leaving others with disabling conditions, including lifelong brain damage.

“Tuberculosis is an entirely preventable and curable disease,” says ChildFund Australia CEO Nigel Spence. “There can be few more challenging and imperative goals in the field of child health than to beat the cruel scourge of tuberculosis.”

Mr Spence adds: “While we continue to urge that leaders find the will, resources and strategies to win the war, ChildFund is equipping communities at the frontline with the means to win their battles, to save lives and livelihoods, and protect children’s futures.”

KEY FINDINGS FROM THE REPORT

The report details the extent of the epidemic in PNG, the devastating impact on children and families, and the urgent response needed to end what is a terrible but treatable disease. Key findings include:

Download the full report here.

Help children and communities battling TB in PNG by donating to ChildFund’s appeal: www.childfund.org.au/png

Join the conversation online #EndTBinPNG


Source: ChildFund Australia