Mikaela Coleman

The PEARL Study || Towards TB & Leprosy Elimination in the Pacific

Tuberculosis (TB) remains the number 1 infectious disease killer on the planet and 'hot spot' countries in the Pacific (like Kiribati) have among the highest rates of TB (and leprosy) in the world. Focussing on the island of Tarawa, this study aims to establish 'proof-of-principle' TB and leprosy elimination by testing and treating the whole population for TB and leprosy disease, as well as asymptomatic infection. If successful, this will offer major benefits to the people of Tarawa; providing a template for other Pacific countries and remote locations around the world where TB and leprosy remains problematic.