Betel Nut Ban in Papua New Guinea Capital Could Help Reduce Spread of TB, WHO Official Says

A ban on betel nuts in Papua New Guinea's capital of Port Moresby could help reduce the spread of tuberculosis in the country, Rajendra Yadav, a World Health Organization TB specialist, said recently, the National reports. National Capital District Commission Gov. Powes Parkop has taken a "tough stand" against betel nuts in the capital city for hygiene reasons, the National reports. According to Yadav, people who chew betel nuts are more likely to have "indiscriminate spitting" habits, which contribute to the spread of TB, the National reports. "We need to promote cough hygiene," including covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing to prevent the spread of TB and other diseases, Yadav said. He added that it is not likely TB could spread through lime-sharing in betel nut chewing. According to WHO, more than 3,000 people die of TB annually in Papua New Guinea (National, 1/10).