54th PNG Mediical Symposium at DWU

Its the second day for me attending the 54th PNG Medical Symposium hosted here at DWU Madang. Its becoming obvious to me that there are so many Papua New Guineans in the PNG health system who are champions of positive change. There are curious researchers, effective clinical implementers and people who just want the best for this country.

 

 

 

For example, Im just sitting here listening in awe to a presentation by Dr. Livingston Tavul and his colleagues at PNG Institute of Medical Research on their research on Lymphatic Filiarisis (commonly known as elephantiasis). Their research work in 24 villages in Bogia District lead to World Health Organisation (WHO) changing its guidelines on treating this disease using mass drug administration.

According to WHO, 856 million people in 52 countries worldwide remain threatened by lymphatic filariasis and require preventive chemotherapy to stop the spread of this parasitic infection. In PNG alone there are estimated to be between 2-4 million people at risk becasue they live in the 'endemic' areas of the country.

This research by PNGIMR (in local and international partnerships with 9 organisations including NDOH, Provincial health and Bogia District Administration) in Bogia District provides the evidence for WHO and its member countries to treat this disease using mass drug administration outside of sub-Saharan countries.

This a is story about research in this country changing the world and at the same time getting rid of this dreadful disease that continues to cause shame, disability and death in PNG communities.