DOH urges stronger, united fight vs TB

The Department of Health (DOH) has called for stronger and united action in combating tuberculosis (TB), which continues to be a major public health concern nationwide, alongside the increasing cases of HIV.

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Speaking at the National Tuberculosis Day celebration held at Plaza Independencia yesterday, DOH Undersecretary Mary-Ann Palermo-Maestral emphasized that Cebu plays a vital role in the national TB response.

“Cebu is special. Pero ang problema natin sa tuberculosis, hindi lang Cebu, nationwide ang problema natin. The cases have been going up along with HIV,” Maestral said.

She explained that TB strategies are updated every five years, but the current active case-finding approach is considered one of the most effective.

“This is one of the best strategies. Kung tama ang gamutan, maaabot natin ang goal,” she added.

More than 7,000 people in 17 regions, including Cebu City, are expected to benefit from free TB services during the Nationwide Simultaneous Active Case Finding activity. These include chest X-rays, sputum tests, tuberculin skin tests, HIV testing, and health education.

The initiative also seeks to expand coverage of Tuberculosis Preventive Treatment (TPT), which offers proven protection against the disease. TPT is commonly given to individuals exposed to TB patients, people living with HIV (PLHIV), and persons with other illnesses or weakened immune systems.