As the government addresses the problem of tuberculosis (TB) nationwide, the Department of Health - Eastern Visayas Center for Health Development (DOH-EVCHD) took part in the Nationwide Active Case Finding for World TB Day, which took place in Brgy. Burayan, San Jose, Tacloban City.
This initiative is part of the activities for the 2025 World Tuberculosis Day, aimed at enhancing the campaign for the early detection, screening, and treatment of the disease.
Led by Dr. Marie Grace Bernardo, the EVCHD National Tuberculosis Program (NTP) Medical Coordinator and Head of the Communicable Disease Unit, and in partnership with the Tacloban City Health Office (CHO) under Dr. Jaime J. Opinion Jr., along with the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP), a variety of free health services focusing on the elimination and early identification of TB were successfully delivered.
As part of this initiative, Dr. Danilo Ecarma, NTP Medical Coordinator for Tacloban CHO, shared vital information through a presentation on Basic Facts about Tuberculosis. This was succeeded by a talk on HIV awareness and screening, conducted by Ms. Reynalyn R. Resma, Regional Program Officer of Sustained Health Initiatives of the Philippines (SHIP).
In total, over 100 residents from Brgy. Burayan and surrounding communities took advantage of the complimentary medical services provided, which included blood pressure and weight checks, health assessment and profiling, chest X-ray, TB and HIV testing, and the distribution of medications.
EVCHD NTP Coordinators, Caryl L. Gorgonio and Flor Jimenez, along with Development Management Officer IV—Marvin Allen Guy-joco, and other staff from EVCHD and the Tacloban City Health Office, were also involved in this initiative. Local officials from Brgy. Burayan worked closely with Barangay Health Workers (BHWs), partners, health professionals, and other stakeholders to ensure the program was carried out effectively.
The observance of World TB Day serves as a reminder that the fight against tuberculosis is a collective responsibility, not just that of government agencies but of the entire community. Through initiatives like the Nationwide Active Case Finding, more Filipinos will gain access to accurate information, receive timely diagnosis, and obtain immediate treatment to help curb the spread of the disease.
Photo courtesy: Department of Health Eastern Visayas
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