Health Minister to Attend Sorong Meeting on TB Elimination Across Papua

All regional leaders will reach a joint agreement to eliminate tuberculosis currently affecting communities in Papua, particularly Southwest Papua.

Sorong, Southwest Papua, will host a national meeting on tuberculosis elimination across Papua on 29-30 May 2026. Sorong Mayor Septinus Lobat said on Thursday that the event will be attended by 42 regional leaders from across Papua along with representatives from relevant ministries and agencies.

‘The Health Minister or Deputy Minister will visit Sorong tomorrow to declare the tuberculosis elimination initiative across Papua,’ he said.

He explained that Sorong was chosen as host by the Ministry of Health due to high TB cases in Papua, requiring joint commitment from all local governments to curb the spread.

‘Regional leaders will jointly agree to eliminate tuberculosis currently affecting communities in Papua, especially Southwest Papua,’ he stated.

Additionally, the Health Ministry delegation is scheduled to inspect several sites in Sorong, including the former COVID-19 hospital planned to become a Public Health Laboratory (Labkesmas).

Septinus said the lab is crucial for water, food, and raw material checks for the Free Nutritious Meals Program (MBG) in Southwest Papua without needing to send samples outside the region.

Meanwhile, Sorong Health Office Head Jemima Elisabeth Lobat said the event is part of a national TB elimination campaign linked to sanitation monitoring and MBG quality control.

‘This event aims to rally regional leaders’ commitment to combating tuberculosis, which remains high in Papua,’ she said.

She explained participants include governors, regents, mayors across Papua, plus representatives from the Health Ministry, Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Environment, professional organisations, and other stakeholders.