Accessing vital healthcare services for TB a challenge in remote islands – Dr Turaga

Accessing vital healthcare services for Tuberculosis is a challenge for people living in remote islands.

This is the sentiment shared by Ministry of Health Tuberculosis expect Dr Kositino Turaga while speaking during the launch of World TB Day at Yasayasa Moala College in Lau.

He says while we are seeing improvements in identifying and treating cases, many people—especially those living on remote islands still face challenges in accessing vital healthcare services.

He says TB remains a pressing health challenge in Fiji, even as the country is classified as low-burden.

Dr Turaga says since 1951, Fiji has been dedicated to tackling this disease through its National Tuberculosis Programme (NTP), and for over two decades, the Directly Observed Treatment, Short-course (DOTS) strategy has also been a key part of this initiative.

He pointed out that in Fiji, TB is primarily transmitted through infected cattle, which has led to the declaration of a biosecurity emergency area to help protect communities from the spread of bovine TB.

While raising awareness at Naroi Village in Moala, Dr Turaga shared insights on TB, which is caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

He explained that while it mainly affects the lungs, it can also impact other essential organs.

Dr. Turaga painted a sobering picture of the global TB situation, revealing that in 2016, the WHO estimated there were 10.4 million new cases and 1.3 million deaths from TB worldwide.

He says the 2017 data from Fiji showed that approximately 49 out of every 100,000 Fijians had TB, and heartbreakingly, about 4 people faced tragic outcomes.

He reinforced the commitment of the Ministry of Health to combat TB and achieve the ambitious 2035 global End-TB program targets—aiming for a 90 percent reduction in new cases and a 95 percent reduction in deaths.

Dr Turaga says our health workers play a crucial role in spotting TB cases in their communities and encourage them to be vigilant and proactive.

According to the United Nations Development Programme, Fiji recorded the second-highest number of tuberculosis cases last year in the Pacific with 569 cases.