There has been a dramatic increase in the number of drug-resistant tuberculosis cases recorded in Papua New Guinea.
That is raising concerns the disease could become untreatable in Australia.
And as Santilla Chingaipe reports, it comes despite tens of millions of dollars in Australian aid being invested in the Pacific nation to tackle the epidemic.
A parliamentary inquiry in Papua New Guinea has been looking into the country's multi-drug-resistant tuberculosis, or MDR TB, crisis.
TB specialist Dr Stenard Hiasihri has told the hearing it is increasing at an alarming rate.
"Real crisis, (the) epidemic in Western Province. And the numbers have been increasing since 2012. Last year, we had 84 cases of MDR TB. This year, we have 103 so far. And next year, we'll have new cases. And that trend is increasing."
MP Gary Juffa questioned the PNG government's response to the almost incurable strain of the disease.
"There seems to be no urgency, there seems to be no anxious effort ... no concern, almost. There's almost a sense of apathy in addressing this. I mean, we should be containing this as quickly as possible."
Patients of the drug-resistant TB used to be treated at clinics in the Torres Strait.
But the inquiry was told the decision by the Australian government to relocate treatment clinics back to the PNG mainland has had an impact.
"A country that used to help us is Australia. We just moved them across to Saibai Island, and they helped us, because they know our situation. They're willing to help us."
The chief executive of the aid organisation World Vision, Tim Costello, says the situation also raises concern about how 60 million dollars of Australian aid is being used to fight the TB.
"We obviously have some situations politically with PNG. We know about Manus Island, we know about somewhat greater autonomy the PNG government has over the aid we give them because of that political deal. Look, they're all questions that the politicians have to answer about the effectiveness of our aid."
Western Province is one of the epicentres for drug-resistant TB.
It lies along the border with Australia.
Hundreds of people make that crossing near far north Queensland every day.
Just a few years ago, the disease crossed into Australia and killed two people.
Tim Costello says the situation cannot be ignored.
"PNG is our nearest neighbour, the nearest point just eight kilometres away. So, this issue is an issue for us to take incredibly seriously."
The federal Department of Health says health officials are working closely with the Australian government to monitor and control TB activity in Queensland.
It says in a statement Australia also has robust border controls and screening processes in place.
