The PRIME-TB project has been supporting the TB response in PNG and Indonesia with a focus on strengthening systems, building local capacity and applying practical evidence-based solutions to address TB. Effective models of care to search, treat and prevent TB have been developed and implemented as a result of the progress made towards the project objectives presented below.
- Knowledge is generated and innovative solutions are tested for the micro elimination of TB in PNG and Indonesia
- Sustainable capacity is developed in public health systems, key institutions, and people leaders for the micro elimination of TB in PNG and Indonesia
- A regional platform and partnerships are developed for knowledge sharing of best practice for TB elimination across PNG, Indonesia, Timor-Leste, and Australia.
2018–2022
A search-treat-prevent strategy has been implemented for this project where populations are actively screened for TB, especially those that are at a higher-risk of getting the disease. Treatment is provided through local health care centres and hospitals with a focus on shorter drug regimens to reduce treatment time and fewer side effects. People who require TB treatment are also provided with access to other wrap-around support services, including nutrition and psychosocial outreach.
Prevention activities, such as contact tracing and education programs are in place to help mitigate the spread of TB, especially in denser living environments or where access to health services and other resources may be limited.
Key partners of the Burnet Institute for this program include the Menzies School of Health Research, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), the PNG Institute of Medical Research (IMR), and local and provincial governments in respective project locations.
PRIME-TB has allowed the creation and translation of knowledge into better TB care in PNG and Indonesia. Better TB care has been achieved through patient-centred care approaches as well as TB capacity strengthening of local health workforces, with a focus on programmatic management of DR-TB in addition to the application of effective innovations and models of care to search, treat and prevent TB, such as active case finding including novel tools.
Funding Partners
- Supported by the Australian Government through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s Indo-Pacific Centre for Health Security
Partners + Collaborators
- Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) - Rina Triasih, Bintari Dwihardiani, Betty Nababan, Hastarina Mulia, Billy Brilliandi, Felisia
- Menzies School of Health Research - Kevin Williams, Chris Lowbridge
- Yayasan Pengembangan Kesehatan dan Masyarakat Papua (YPKMP)
- Pemerintah Provinsi Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta
- Pemerintah Kabupaten Mimika
- Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research
- National TB Program, Papua New Guinea
- Provincial and Local Health Authorities
Project
Team
Meet the project team. Together, we are translating research into better health, for all.
