Construction is underway for a new Tuberculosis Ward for Popondetta Hospital to help tackle the disease in Oro Province.
The six-bed ward with associated facilities in a separate new building at the hospital will allow the proper isolation of seriously ill patients to stop them spreading the disease. It is being built as a rapid response to an outbreak of a drug resistant strain of TB in the region, which is the leading cause of death in PNG.
The building is being financed through major donations from Network Kokoda and Oro Community Development Project (OCDP) and the builder Canstruct, which recently completed four large bridges in Oro Province funded by the Australian government.
Due to open in the fourth quarter of 2017, training of local nurses to work in this specialised unit has commenced. Further funds are needed for detailed fitout and medical supplies for this health facility.