Staff and patients from the TB Clinic at the Port Moresby General Hospital (PMGH) today commemorated World TB Day that is observed every year on the 24th of March, with the theme, “Yes! We can end TB.” The day itself provides awareness to the global community and efforts taken to end the disease as it is 100% curable. Statistics show that in Papua New Guinea (PNG) alone, a total of 5, 000 people lose their lives every year from the deadly disease when not treated quickly. PMGH Acting Coordinator for Internal Medicine, Dr. Cassius Maingu, stressed on the importance of receiving treatment because the leading factor in which the deadly virus can spread, is through community transmission especially in marginalized populations and overcrowded areas, and children and people living with HIV/AIDS are at more risk of contracting it because their immune systems are not strong. “In terms of seeking treatment, it is curable and the goals of TB treatment includes eradication of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection, preventing transmission, preventing relapse of disease, and preventing development of drug resistance.” Community support also helps boost one to seek the help they need; therefore, the doctor encouraged everyone to reach out to those suffering to ensure that they go for a check ups. “Let’s not discriminate, let’s make it our responsibility to help play a part. This way we help put an end to TB when we help others seek treatment quickly.” Often, the duration of receiving treatment varies from six to 24 months, and with the new medicines introduced into the health systems, they can cure drug resistant TB in six months. Meanwhile, according to Project Coordinator with Child TB-HIV at PMGH, Verlyn Apis, the statistics for children with TB has shown a total of 912 cases recorded since last year. “Every year we see an increase in TB cases where we treat patients from areas of Gulf, Central Province and NCD who come to PMGH for treatment.” As part of today’s event of bringing about awareness, the main goal is to involve more support from communities and families and that requires collaboration from everyone. The hospital also provides counsellors for patients who do not have anyone else for support.