Northeastern Spotlight

Fall 2019 Volume 14 – Number 2

Training Highlights

Pacific Islands Tuberculosis Controllers Association (PITCA) Conference

The annual Pacific Islands Tuberculosis Controllers Association (PITCA) Conference was held on September 9-13, 2019 in Koror, Palau.  This year’s conference was planned and coordinated by the Palau Ministry of Health and the Global TB Institute. Around 125 participants from the US affiliated Pacific Islands (USAPI) attended. The conference brought together TB experts from throughout the Pacific Islands and United States mainland.  Attendees had opportunities to meet, share experiences, and network with the speakers and their peers from other parts of the Pacific. Evaluation feedback suggested the, “Very clear and outstanding presentations”, met the participants expectations. 

Attendees during the PITCA conference

Speakers from the CDC, WHO, Global TB Institute, and USAPI presented on a myriad of topics such as: laboratory technology, case management, educational messaging to improve sputum collection, and LTBI and MDRTB treatment updates. A conference highlight was the combined clinical, nursing / outreach, and program manager workshop focusing on patient-centered care. The workshop resulted in a 12-month action plan for each jurisdiction which will be revisited in next year’s PITCA conference. Attendees of the ‘Nursing and Outreach’ session stated, “Thank you for the relevant information, good refresher of what we learn in TB 101”.

New to this year’s conference was a daily poster session, displaying 12 posters. Best poster was awarded to Maopa Raikabula from the State of Pohnpei. The cultural night was hosted by the Palau Ministry of Health with all the various groups performing and participating, completing a night of fun and fellowship.

Submitted by Alfred Lardizabal, MD and Rosaura Garcia, CHES