Ok Tedi Mining Limited (Ok Tedi) has partnered with local communities to combat tuberculosis (TB), a critical health crisis in Western Province, by launching an educational awareness campaign at Wangbin Village.
Aligned with the 2026 World TB Day theme, “Yes! We can End TB! Led by countries, Powered by people,” the initiative focuses on dispelling misconceptions, promoting early testing, and ensuring treatment completion.
During the program, Ok Tedi Health Services Manager Raymond Singamis highlighted the urgency of the region's health burden.
“Western Province is a recognised ‘hotspot’ for TB and multi-drug-resistant TB (MDR-TB). Frequently ranking within the top 2-3 provinces for total TB cases and the situation in North Fly is particularly concerning,” Mr. Singamis said.
“North Fly District alone has 1,018 confirmed TB patients, while the remaining districts each have more than 500 cases.
These numbers are a clear warning, TB is here, and it affects our families.”
He stressed that financial barriers should not prevent residents from seeking help, adding, “With Ok Tedi providing free medical checks, diagnosis, and medication, there is no excuse for delayed treatment. If you have been coughing for a long time, feeling weak, losing weight or experiencing night sweats, they must go to the hospital immediately. TB spreads silently within households if left untreated.”
The initiative received strong endorsement from community leaders, including the President of the Women and Children Association, Alice Mumuyong, who shared her personal experience.
“As a mother with a child currently undergoing TB treatment, I have witnessed firsthand the critical role Ok Tedi Health Services plays in our lives,” Mrs. Mumuyong said.
“Their support gives families hope and a real chance at recovery. On behalf of the Women and Children Association, we sincerely acknowledge and appreciate this commitment.”
To expand the TB campaign's reach, she announced that her association has allocated independent funding to take the message directly to local neighborhoods.
“We have set aside funds to partner with the Ok Tedi Health Services team to take TB awareness directly to our communities. TB is not something to hide or fear, it is something we must confront together,” she said, while reinforcing the need for proactive screening, “I strongly encourage everyone, men, women, and children to go and get checked. Early testing saves lives and protects your family.”
Moving forward, Ok Tedi remains dedicated to collaborating with health authorities and local stakeholders to strengthen TB detection and treatment across Western Province.
