PMG Motors has made a significant donation of a brand-new vehicle to Businesses for Health Papua New Guinea (B4H)— a new project vehicle to support the important work of Businesses for Health TB & HIV project.
This generous gift underscores PNG Motors’ commitment to improving workplace health and productivity outcomes in Papua New Guinea and addressing the nation’s high burden of Tuberculosis and HIV.
The Businesses for Health TB & HIV project was established in response to the alarming and increasing rates of Tuberculosis (TB) and HIV in Papua New Guinea, which places immense strain on individuals, productivity, and the entire national economy.
Worldwide the mantra for ending TB is that TB is preventable and curable, but here in PNG 5,200 people lost their lives to TB last year.
Young people of working age make up most of the case of TB, so the loss of life is often the loss of a family breadwinner, and it is even sadder that in 2023, more babies were born with HIV.
Loss of income devastates families and helps to drive conditions which TB loves – overcrowding and untreated coughs.
The B4H project plays a pivotal role in raising awareness, providing training for businesses in better workplace management of cases, and facilitating initiatives to find cases of TB earlier and to promote the need to know one’s HIV status.
The addition of this new vehicle from PNG Motors significantly enhances the project’s capacity to reach workplaces, support our workplace-based TB wardens, and engage with businesses across the NCD.
When our trainees save the life of an employee it sends powerful messages about TB prevention and the messages to families and their local communities.
Dr Ann Clarke, project supporter at B4H, expressed their gratitude for PNG Motors’ generous contribution, saying, “This vehicle represents a significant milestone in our recovery from the devastating impact of COVID on the TB response and our mission to end Tuberculosis and HIV.”
“We are immensely thankful to PNG Motors for their support; our existing vehicle was donated to the Business Coalition against HIV and AIDS (BAHA) in 2013 and we have literally worn it out delivering HIV information, condoms and now education about TB, coughing and the better management of TB.”
Dr Clarke further stated that the economy is in such terrible shape there no way they could ever raise enough money for a new vehicle, but with the new vehicle, they can continue to visit workplaces, support TB patients into the right services.
It enhances their impact, and work toward a TB-free Papua New Guinea.
PNG Motors has a longstanding history of corporate responsibility and community engagement.
This donation exemplifies their dedication to playing an active role in addressing PNG deadliest infectious disease and social issues within the nation.
Mr Steve Lane, Marketing Manager at PNG Motors, during the presentation of the vehicle stated that PNG Motors is proud to contribute to the Businesses for Health TB project.
“We have seen our staff succumb to TB and the Cover your cough team present such a positive health message while also addressing Tuberculosis in Papua New Guinea.”
“We are not just delivering a safe mode of transport. Our friends at Biz Print have ensured it is also moving billboard sharing the “cover your cough” message and Pacific Assurance mean the team are well insured.”
The B4H team have taught us, “Coughing is not normal”, Coughing is a sign of disease, and coughs need to be checked for treatable TB.
“This moving billboard means more awareness, and support where it is needed most -which is out on the streets of Port Moresby. We are committed to the success of this B4H and its role in creating a healthier, wealthier future for our nation,” said Steve.
This generous gift of a new project vehicle from PNG Motors further strengthens the partnership between the private sector and B4H, demonstrating the profound impact that collaborative efforts can have on improving public health in Papua New Guinea,