A parliamentary inquiry in Papua New Guinea has been looking into the country's crisis involving multi-drug resistant tuberculosis (TB).
TB Specialist Dr Stenard Hiasihri told the hearing it is increasing at an alarming rate.
"There is a real epidemic in Western Province [of Papua New Guinea]. The numbers have been increasing since 2012,” he said.
“Last year, we had 84 cases, and this year we have 103 so far. And next year we'll have new cases, the trend is increasing."
That is despite tens of millions of dollars in Australian aid being invested into the Pacific nation to tackle the epidemic.
PNG criticised for apathetic response
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," he said.
“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 and they helped us because they know our situation. They're willing to help us," said one official.
Millions in Australian aid given to combat TB in PNG
World Vision chief executive Tim Costello said the situation also raises concerns about how $60 million in Australian aid is being spent in combatting the disease.
"We obviously have some political situations 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," he said.
"They are all questions politicians have to answer about the effectiveness of our aid."
Queensland authorities monitoring TB activity
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 claimed two lives.
Tim Costello said the situation cannot be ignored.
"PNG is our nearest neighbour, the nearest point just 8 kilometres away, so this issue is one we need to take incredibly seriously," he stressed.
In a statement, federal Department of Health said health officials are working closely with the Australian government to monitor and control TB activity in Queensland.
The Department said Australia also has robust border controls and screening processes in place.
