Burnet project expands access to multiple-disease screening in PNG
Burnet project expands access to multiple-disease screening in PNG
Tuberculosis (TB) remains one of the top infectious diseases in Papua New Guinea (PNG), but new solutions are reshaping how the country responds.
The introduction of portable X-rays and AI tools to detect TB is not only improving diagnosis but also uncovering health issues that might otherwise go unnoticed.
The Burnet Increasing Access to Multiple-disease Screening project, in partnership with the East New Britain Provincial Health Authority, was designed to combine screening for TB with associated major risk factors such as diabetes, hypertension and malnutrition.
Burnet radiographer Kevin Wanowi said this process integrated and improved patient care, while still ensuring an early TB diagnosis.
“This is one of the areas where we were focusing our efforts on.
“We also help referring people to begin treatment for other diseases and any general medical conditions that we came across.”
Alongside a small yet mighty team of four, Mr Wanowi brings a portable X-ray machine to communities and workplaces, making it easier to reach more people efficiently.
Over the past year, the project screened nine communities and 28 workplaces — reaching more than 1,340 people.
As a result, more than 30 individuals have begun treatment for TB and other diagnosed conditions.
The project's success offers a promising model for integrated care and disease prevention across PNG.
“It’s nice to know Burnet is part of the solution,” said Gina Vidamo, general manager of a local business with hundreds of employees who were screened.
She explained that the process was valuable not only for reducing sickness but for ultimately helping stop the spread of TB.
“It was interesting to see the results and discover that some people had high sugar levels — something we didn’t realise at the start,” she said
“We love to celebrate life at work, and we’re always having cakes and cookies. Maybe now we’ll celebrate in a different way, focusing more on movement and exercise.”