The Western Highlands Provincial Health Authority (WHPHA) has launched a new initiative to strengthen the fight against tuberculosis (TB) in the province.
The Systematic Screening for TB Program (SSI4TB), was officially launched earlier this month (11th March, 2026) at the Pope’s Oval in Mt Hagen town by the Director of Public Health, Mr. Dannex Kupamu.
The program is part of the broader Provincial and National TB strategies aimed at increasing case detection and ensuring timely treatment, following a rise in TB cases in the Western Highlands. Screening teams will move into high-risk communities to identify individuals who may have tuberculosis and link them to Mt Hagen Provincial Hospital for further medical review.
Screening will target all individuals aged 15 years and above in hotspot areas, including those who do not show symptoms.
The SSI screening will make use of an ultraportable mobile x-ray unit, known as CAD4TB, which uses artificial intelligence to quickly analyze images taken with a low-dose x-ray. This technology allows health workers to carry out screenings anywhere in the community and rapidly identify individuals who may have tuberculosis.
Following its launch, the SSI4TB team has begun rolling out screenings in identified hotspot areas across Mt Hagen town and will extend to communities outside the township in the coming weeks. The first round of community screenings started in Warakum, marking the start of a wider effort to reach high-risk populations.
Speaking at the launch, Mr. Kupamu said TB remains a serious public health challenge, and the new program will bring screening directly to the people to ensure no one is left behind in accessing care.
The initiative is funded by the Global Fund, with World Vision PNG serving as the principal recipient in Papua New Guinea. WHPHA has also acknowledged the support of the World Health Organization Office in PNG and the Burnet Institute’s SWEEP TB project in helping implement this innovative program.
The SSI4TB program is expected to play a vital role in strengthening TB control efforts in the Western Highlands, combining community outreach with modern technology to protect lives and promote healthier futures.
