WITH the increasing number of tuberculosis (TB) cases in the Davao Region, the Department of Health-Davao Region (DOH-Davao) is conducting a TB orientation and action planning workshop for the Indigenous Peoples (IPs).
DOH-Davao reported that it recorded about 21,600 TB cases in 2023, significantly higher than the 16,147 cases reported in 2022. Most of these cases are from Davao City. Some of the vulnerable areas in Davao City include Baguio District, Calinan District, Tugbok District, Toril A District, and Brgy. Marilog Proper, Marilog District.
The department together with the World Health Organization, Davao City Health Office, and the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) conducted the orientation and action planning for IPs.
Dr. Grace Amistoso, chief of the Regulations, Licensing, and Enforcement Division at DOH, said that they are intensifying their efforts and initiatives to reach geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (Gidas) to improve health-seeking behavior of the residents by conducting a series of TB orientations. She said they are working toward achieving zero TB cases in IP communities and emphasized that a sense of unity is essential in accomplishing this goal.
“We are a part of the solution in our capacities as community leaders,” she said.
Amistoso added that Gidas pose a challenge in identifying and treating TB cases due to poor healthcare infrastructure, socioeconomic challenges, and limited knowledge about TB.
The department said that these orientations and case-finding activities have been instrumental in empowering community leaders to address the challenge of raising awareness about TB. DOH-Davao said that fighting this challenge involves several steps: identifying, testing, evaluating, and treating people with TB infections.
DOH-Davao explained that TB is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis and primarily affects the lungs. It can be spread through the air when infected individuals cough, sneeze, or spit. An individual can become infected with TB by inhaling a small number of these bacteria.
People who get the bacteria have a 5 to 10 percent lifetime risk of falling ill with TB. Those with compromised immune systems, such as people living with HIV, malnutrition, or diabetes, and individuals who use tobacco, are at higher risk of contracting the disease.
The department encouraged individuals showing symptoms of TB, such as coughing, fever, and unexplained weight loss, to seek early treatment to prevent the spread of the disease and increase their chances of recovery. RGP
