In their bid to end tuberculosis (TB) and HIV, Businesses for Health (B4H) is focused on promoting local languages ‘Tok Peles’ to raise awareness and prevent TB. By utilising 'tok peles' as a medium to communicate vital health information, the B4H project aims to bridge linguistic gaps and improve communication with families and communities. In every workplace training group, they encounter a rich mix of languages spoken at home by our trainees. While their new TB wardens are equipped with sophisticated awareness, prevention, and better workplace management of TB in English and Tok Pisin, B4H recognise that engaging families in their home communities requires speaking in their own language. It is heart-warming to witness class members reaching out to their parents, texting, and calling to verify translations of B4H key TB prevention message, "cover your cough." The use of home language serves as a reminder that health protection at work is incomplete if it does not extend to health protection in the home or community. B4H training empowers individuals to act against this deadly disease both at work and at home, emphasised Dr. Ann Clarke, who is in PNG to support the workplace training. TB Health Extension Officer Teresa Koratsi understands the importance of language when supporting patients. Language is not just a means of communication; it becomes a way of connecting to a patient's culture, to keep them connected with their family, and gain support to adhere to treatment until they are cured. Teresa said, speaking in people's 'tok peles' allows us to show respect for their heritage and foster a deeper connection, particularly when many TB patients feel stigmatised by this terrible disease. “TB treatment is hard and lengthy. Being kind and inclusive grows trust, and it ensures that our TB awareness and prevention message is received with open hearts.” “Importantly, Tok Pisin is often insufficient.” “Utilising 'tok peles' enables us to convey information accurately and effectively.” “By reducing medical jargon that can be intimidating and difficult to understand, we break down barriers and make vital information accessible to all.” “This empowers individuals to recognise TB symptoms, understand the importance of early diagnosis, and adopt preventive measures within their communities”, explained Lowen, the new B4H TB Nursing officer and Motu speaker. “We are thrilled to hear our messages in 'tok peles' as it fosters a sense of inclusivity and ownership in our work to end TB.” “When trainees deliver health messages in their own language, they feel more valued and empowered.” “They become prouder advocates who actively share knowledge within their social networks, inspiring others to act.” “While we are not a grassroots organisation, we make efforts in workplaces to support home and community engagement.” Our "Cover your cough" message can be seen all over Port Moresby, and our small video from this class ensures that family members on the islands of Bougainville, Manus, Misima, Karkar and New Ireland will learn our message, while people in the provinces of Madang, Morobe, Eastern Highlands, Gulf, Western, Central and Malaysia will hear it loud and clear through their Port Moresby-based friends. Dr Anne further stated, “The team at B4H is challenging everyone to call home, check their translations, and post their "cover your cough" with #coveryourcough #endTB on our B4HTB Facebook page and all our social media networks, so everyone can see and share!” “With over 800 languages to go, we encourage everyone to join us in this fun way to raise awareness about PNG deadliest infectious disease.”