Written responses by an AusAid spokesman to questions asked by 7.

30, ABC TV, 23/06/2011

How confident is AusAid that TB services can be transferred to PNG without adverse outcomes for the patients?

TB patients are already being treated successfully at Daru Hospital. With AusAID supporting PNG health authorities to improve and grow the level of services in Western Province, the capacity to treat TB patients will increase over time. The World Heaths Organizations official strategy for TB control, DOTS (directly observed treatment, short -course), advocates that the most effective way of treating TB is on a community wide basis and not ad hoc service that are currently being supplied to PNG nationals who visit Queensland clinics.

How well equipped is D aru hospital to handle multi -drug resistant tuberculosis cases?
y

TB patients are already being treated successfully at Daru Hospital. Darus capacity to treat TB and other patients will increase with the ramping up of related services. The TB outpatient c linic on Daru Island is already treating patients with sensitive TB using fixed dose combination drugs supplied under the Global Drug Facility and employing Directly Observed Treatment systems in accordance with WHO standards. PNGs own TB expert will also oversee the treatment of patients and provide technical support to clinicians at Daru in addition to regular supervisory visits

Is the July 1 deadline realistic or should it be put back to later in the year?
y

Treatment for TB is already available in Western Province and these services will grow and improve over time as the roll out of support continues.

PNGs heath secretary has confirmed that his country does NOT have WHO Green Light funding for second tier anti -TB drugs. To what extent does this reduce PNGs ability to tackle MDTB?
y

PNG is able to obtain Second Line Drugs through the Global Drug Facility without making a Green Light Committee application.