There is a need to continue to strengthen the Public-Private Partnerships in our respective divisions, says Assistant Minister for Health and Medical Services, Alexander O’Connor.

In Fiji alone, there were over 360 cases of tuberculosis (TB) diagnosed and treated in 2015.

The Ministry of Health and Medical Services acknowledges the immense contribution of development partners in the elimination of TB.

He made the comments during the launch of the fourth edition of the Fiji Tuberculosis (TB) manual on Monday at the Sigatoka Hospital.

Mr O’Connor said: “The Ministry for Health and Medical Services acknowledges the immense contribution of our development partners, namely The Global Fund, World Health Organisation, Korea International Co-operation Agency and Zero TB World in the investment towards eliminating TB in our beloved nation.

“We also need to continue to strengthen the Public-Private Partnerships in our respective divisions.”

The new manual now contains emerging issues in TB control and elimination including TB-HIV and TB-Diabetes co-infections, multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) and how to effectively respond to patients’ needs before and after natural or human caused disasters.

He said these issues have become more important now than before, especially for the users of this manual which include TB clinicians, doctors and nurses in hospitals and health centres, allied health staff, Civil Society Organisations (CSO) as well as medical and nursing students.

“This edition will replace the 2004 guideline and takes into effect best evidence practices, updated treatment protocols and people centred integrated approach aligned to the Sustainable Development Goal 3.3, Ministry of Health and Medical Services National Strategic Plan 2015-2020 and the Fiji National TB Strategic Plan for 2015 – 2020,” said Mr O’Connor.

“What makes this edition of the manual different from its predecessor is its comprehensiveness, yet is user friendly to the health care worker to encourage a more people centred approach, no matter which level of the health system they may work in.”

The National Tuberculosis Strategic Plan (NSP) 2015-2020 reflects the strategic importance of this manual to guide TB control interventions in Fiji.

Edited by Jonathan Bryce

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