JAYAPURA– Papua Province continues to face significant challenges in detecting and treating tuberculosis (TB) cases. So far, the case detection rate in Papua has only reached 40 percent, which is far below the national target of 70 percent.

Acting Head of the Papua Health Office, Arry Pongtiku, stated that achieving the detection target is crucial for breaking the chain of transmission. 

“If we can reach 70 percent over five years, these cases could be reduced by half,” he said during the commemoration of World TB Day on Friday (April 11, 2025).

He also highlighted another challenge: the high number of TB cases co-infected with HIV. “Papua also has a high HIV prevalence. About 30 percent of TB cases are also HIV-positive. Furthermore, drug-resistant TB cases are on the rise,” he said.

Nevertheless, Arry emphasized that an increase in detected cases is not necessarily a negative sign. 

“If more cases are identified, it doesn’t mean things are getting worse. It indicates that community health centers are improving in detecting, treating, and reporting cases,” he said.

Acting Governor of Papua, Ramses Limbong, stressed that treatment efforts must align with preventive measures. 

“Once someone is diagnosed, action must be taken. TB is contagious, and the treatment is not short-term,” Ramses added.

He noted that the government is actively involved through educational outreach and free screenings. 

“We’re implementing the same efforts down to the district level. This has become a national priority,” said Ramses. ***