In order to reduce the prevalence rate of TB in Port Moresby, which is one of the highest in the world, we conducted community-based case-finding activities to improve early detection. We also gave health talks to provide knowledge about the disease and to explain the importance of adherence to treatment in areas of the city considered to be at high risk—especially low-income and densely populated neighborhoods with poor sanitation. Our teams also offered preventive TB treatment to close contacts of confirmed DS-TB patients.
For patients with multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB), we continued to implement all-oral medication regimens, which lead to overall better treatment adherence, as they remove the need for painful daily injections and have fewer severe side effects.
MSF is always seeking ways to reduce the number of patients interrupting their treatment by facilitating the process—for example, by supporting patients in taking their medication autonomously or with assistance from a family member at home.
