Mass tuberculosis and leprosy screening in Marshalls

Over 26,000 people in the Marshall Islands are to be targeted by a mass tuberculosis and leprosy screening programme which begins next week.

In 2013 the World Health Organisation reported the Marshalls had the second highest prevalence of TB in the world, 100 times higher than the US mainland.

It is also one of the few countries in the world still dealing with leprosy.

RNZ Pacific reports a new Ministry of Health screening programme which will run until September aims to cover the capital, Majuro, following a successful screening initiative on the island of Ebeye.

The biggest challenge once screening has been conducted will be getting people to complete their treatments.

The WHO and the US Centers for Disease Control are helping the government efforts.