The Active City Development program (ACDP) is hosting a walk to mark the World TB Day in Port Moresby tomorrow (Sunday morning).

Themed ‘Invest to End TB saves lives’ this year, the day falls on March 24th. The walk from Sir Hubert Murray Stadium is a culmination of events and activities hosted this week to commemorate the day and increase awareness.

ACDP in a media statement said: “Papua New Guinea remains one of the highest burden Tuberculosis countries in the world. NCD is the worst affected province, and it is estimated there will be over 10,000 cases in the nation’s capital this year.

It said ACDP would partner with Business for Health TB, NCDC PHA, WHO, NGOs, Communities and schools in NCD to host a walk and raise public awareness on TB.

“The TB program and partners are taking a stand this month to promote the message of investing in raising awareness and preventative measures to save lives and end TB in the nation’s capital.

“Seen the importance for people to learn TB signs and symptoms, we want to promote people to get tested and treated at NCD Provincial Health Authority’s TB clinics.

“TB case finding, treatment and the links to promote NCD PHA TB services is fundamental to improving case TB finding,” said ACDP.

TB case finding has dropped with the distraction of other diseases and illness and the measures designed to reduce its spread.

“This walk will be an event to raise public awareness, promote services and solutions to support men, women and children to realize TB affects lives and takes lives.”

TB Health experts and the NCD Governor, Powes Parkop will speak at the event signifying their support of the Provincial Health Authorities to address TB affecting men, women and children’s lives.

“We invite everyone to join the walk and support World TB Day and its message.

“The event will adhere strictly to the Niupla Pasin Covid protocols,” it said.