“Now I can work in the Garden, I can hold my crops, I can dig and plant, and it is because of this medicine” said Leo from Vatukele Village in West New Britain Province (WNBP).
Leo is among 370,000 people in West New Britain province reached through WHO’s Mass Drug Administration (MDA) campaign that saw the administering of medicinal drugs to targeted populations to prevent and treat against Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD).
The Mass Drug Administration (MDA) campaign is part of the World Health Organizations (WHO) Global Programme to Eliminate Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD’s). Most of which, are common in parts of PNG.
The MDA Campaign targets diseases like Lymphatic Filariasis, Soil Transmitted Helminths, Yaws, Scabies, and Trachoma, and allow for prevention as well as treatment opportunities in target communities.
Tom from Galai, number 1 block in West New Britain Province encouraged fellow community members with his experience, “I was not feeling fit for work in the past weeks, and now I feel like I am back in full strength, I can see the changes on my body, and feel the sick leaving after taking the medication”.
Tom had symptoms of Lymphatic Filariasis (LF), a disease caused by parasitic worms that are transmitted by mosquitoes causing swelling in the arms, legs, breasts, or genitals. LF, if not treated can often lead to elephantiasis and hydrocele and may also lead to permanent disfigurement and cause social stigma and poverty.
WHO technical officer, Dr. Sarosh explained that “Soil Transmitted Helminths are parasitic intestinal worms which cause anemia and poor cognitive functions in children. Yaws, is caused by bacteria and affects skin and bones, and is spread through close contact. And Scabies, is a skin disease caused by parasites living on the skin’.
WHO is working closely with the WNB Provincial Health Authority, local communities, the National Department of Health (NDOH), and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to ensure the elimination and control of these diseases.
The MDA campaign has seen the distribution of medicinal drugs to 38 health facilities in three (3) districts. Administering also at schools for school-aged children, at community booths for all age groups, workplaces, and from door-to-door, using the directly observed treatment (DOT) approach.
“People were in fear and went into hiding at first, but when we visited with village elders and health workers and conducted proper awareness, we got a good outcome with positive response” said Ezekiel who is part of the West New Britain NTD task force.
Neglected tropical diseases (NTD) are diverse group of disease condition, the majority of which are caused by parasitic infections and mostly affect people living without access to adequate sanitation, basic infrastructure, and health services in tropical and subtropical regions.
PNG reports one of the highest prevalence of LF in the world. 16 out of 22 provinces are endemic to Lymphatic Filariasis. Kazura and Bockarie (2003) summarized information from district and province and stated that prevalence varied from 10% to 92% locally.
Preparations for the MDA Campaign included the establishment of a NTD task force in WNBP, transport and storage of Medicinal drugs in proper facilities, recruitment and training of MDA team, and community engagement and Mobilization.
West New Britain province now joins New Ireland and East New Britain province as successful MDA Campaign locations in Papua New Guinea, taking a step closer to eliminating Neglected tropical diseases in the country.
While Neglected Tropical Diseases can be prevented through Mass Drug Administration, communities in West New Britain were also encouraged to prioritize safe water and sanitation, and practice good hygiene.