Abt Global is seeking a suitably qualified individual to fill the role of Medical Officer – Senior TB Consultant on the PNG – Australia Transition to Health (PATH) Program with Abt Global. This role is based in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea and open to PNG citizens only.
About the Program
The Papua New Guinea (PNG) Australia Transition to Health (PATH) is a six-year (2020-2026) health sector program funded by the Australian Government under the PNG – Australia Partnership for Development. PATH works with the Government of PNG (GoPNG) to improve coverage and quality of health services for the people of PNG through effective, equitable, efficient, and inclusive interventions. Guided by the National Department of Health (NDoH), Provincial Health Authorities (PHAs) and the Bougainville Department of Health (BDoH) are responsible for the delivery of health services across PNG.
PATH assists NDoH, PHAs and BDoH to strengthen systems for health service delivery targeting infectious diseases, and reproductive, maternal, newborn child and adolescent health, with a focus on promoting women’s leadership.
PATH’s end of investment outcomes (EOIOs) are:
1. PHAs more able to lead provincial health reform and manage effective, efficient, equitable and quality essential health services in selected provinces.
2. DFAT-funded health services are demonstrating efficient and effective models of service delivery, influencing PHA performance; and building sustainability by transitioning to PHA management in selected provinces.
PATH’s intermediate outcomes (IOs) are: Provincial Health Authority Leadership, Women in Leadership and Essential Health Services.
PATH is a locally led, adaptive, and politically informed program that seeks to maintain flexibility to respond to changing and local circumstances over the life of the program.
About the Project
Papua New Guinea (PNG) has the 7th highest rate of new tuberculosis (TB) cases globally (432 per 100,000 population), rising to 1,117 per 100,000 in the National Capital District (NCD). PNG is designated by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a high-burden country for TB, TB-HIV, and drug-resistant TB. Port Moresby General Hospital (PMGH) plays a key role as the main referral site for TB diagnosis and treatment initiation in NCD and neighboring provinces.
Pregnant and post-partum women are at elevated risk of developing TB, and this group is recognized as a priority for TB screening by both the PNG National Department of Health and WHO. PMGH records approximately 14,000 deliveries annually, with 40–60 women diagnosed with TB in the obstetrics ward each year. Despite these efforts, an estimated 25–50% of TB cases in this population may go undiagnosed.
The Child-Maternal TB/HIV Program (CMTHP), implemented by the Paediatric Society of Papua New Guinea (PSPNG), aims to integrate TB services within maternal and child health platforms at PMGH. The program delivers family-centered care to
pregnant and post-partum mothers. TB screening is conducted at antenatal care (ANC) clinics, in the labor ward, and during post-natal care. Screening includes patient education, symptom-based surveys, and—when indicated—diagnostic procedures such as chest X-rays (CXR) and sputum examination, aligned with national and international guidelines.
About the Opportunity
As a Senior TB Consultant, responsibilities extend beyond clinical oversight to include staff management, reporting, and basic human resource functions. The consultant will be expected to provide leadership across the maternal TB program team, ensure timely submission of reports, maintain high performance standards among staff, and liaise with implementing and hospital partners as needed.
1. Integrate family-centered TB detection and linkage to care for pregnant and post-partum women and their newborns and children at PMGH
2. Function as a Senior Management Leader implementing the project and providing leadership to the PSPNG CMTHP
About You
For applications to be considered, a response to the key selection criteria below must be provided.
· Strong experience in TB programming with minimum of 2 years experience
· Must be a qualified Medical Officer with additional higher qualifications in O&G will be considered an advantage.
· Exceptional communication skills in building relationships with partners and clients and a proven ability to work independently and as part of a team.
For more information on the role and how to apply, please click on 'APPLY NOW'
