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We Support: Businesses For Health

In PNG, the rates of HIV/TB co-infection, drug-susceptible and now drug-resistant forms of TB are amongst the worst in the world. Businesses For Health (B4H: TB) has been established to assist private sector businesses to deal with the problems associated with the current TB epidemic in PNG. It is their mission to ensure every workplace can respond immediately to every case of active TB which will result in healthier and more productive workforces and improved awareness throughout the wider community.

The Sir Brian Bell Foundation has continuously provided financial support to Businesses for Health so they can continue their programs as well as provide Brian Bell Group Team Members support through TB testing and recovery by placing TB Wardens across the country to run activities to prevent TB and assist should anyone display symptoms. TB wardens are tasked with:

  • The extent of the TB crisis in PNG, the rise in the number of drug-resistant cases, the TB/HIV coinfection problem, and how a team of workplace TB wardens can work.
  • How the Brian Bell Group can work to deliver the guidelines set by the National Department of Health.
  • Understanding the basics of tuberculosis, the concepts of exposure, infection and active TB disease, signs and symptoms, and risk factors for developing active TB disease.
  • Understanding TB laboratory, treatment, and documentation processes. This included a field trip to a TB clinic and lab. This experience has proven to be vital in mastering the knowledge and skills needed to support our team member along the long and complex TB testing, treatment and return to work pathway.
  • Conducting meaningful discussions on different types of TB workplace policies and ideas for TB and HIV workplace health promotion activities.

Brian Bell Group Human Resources Manager Philomena Nawara said “This is indeed a significant milestone, and we are grateful for the support from The Foundation and B4H in partnering with us to manage TB at the workplace. We look forward to including other BBG locations in the TB warden’s training as soon as B4H extends its training programs to other parts of the country”.

Sir Brian Bell Foundation has assisted with a sponsorship of K50,000 yearly for the Brian Bell Group to train 15 ‘TB Wardens’, who will promote awareness of Tuberculosis in the workplace.