From Okinawa to West New Britain: JICA Training Inspires a Vision for Stronger Multidrug Resistant-Tuberculosis (MDR-TB) Care in PNG

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) proudly highlights the inspiring journey of Ms. Jacklyn Koropa, Acting Nurse Unit Manager of the TB-MDR Ward, West New Britain Provincial Health Authority, who recently completed the Knowledge Co-Creation Program (KCCP) on Strengthening Community Health Systems for Infectious Diseases Control in Okinawa, Japan.

“The experience was so meaningful that my heart broke when it was time to leave Okinawa”

Her Action Plan: Improving MDR-TB Patient Follow-up in West New Britain
Ms. Jacklyn’s Final Action Plan focuses on one of PNG’s critical health challenges: MDR-TB and patients lost to follow-up.

Her plan seeks to:
・Strengthen patient support systems
・Improve follow-up mechanisms
・Boost staff capacity for TB-MDR response
・Enhance collaboration with Public Health teams for home visits and counselling
・Build a sustainable long-term monitoring system

A Message to Papua New Guinea’s Public Servants
Ms. Jacklyn encourages all public servants to serve with purpose and integrity:
“Practice honesty in every aspect of life. Work smart and go beyond what is required-not for money, but for the greater good. Help those in need, even without recognition. True service is measured by the lives you uplift.”