MANILA, Philippines —The Department of Health-Metro Manila Center for Health Development (DOH-MMCHD) reported a total of 101,807 cases of tuberculosis (TB) in the National Capital Region, stressing the need to intensify the agency’s campaign for early detection.
In a statement on Saturday, the DOH-MMCHD said the number showed the importance of early detection through screening, especially as the country prepares to observe World TB Day on March 24.
DOH-MMCHD Regional Director Lester Tan said that while TB remained one of the top illnesses in the country, it can be overcome if detected early.
“TB is curable. We should not be afraid of it, and even more so, be ashamed of it. It only makes the situation worse if you hide it or brush it aside,” Tan said in Filipino.
The agency also held a “TB-Free Generation Fun Run” in Taguig City to raise awareness and encourage the public to undergo testing.
