Bukidnon holds multisectoral alliance on TB detection, cure

By Ruby Leonora R. Balistoy

Friday 13th of July 2012

MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon, July 13 (PIA) -- The Provincial Health Office (PHO) will hold a multisectoral alliance (PMSA) on tuberculosis (TB) control at The Garden, Malaybalay City today, July 13.

Dr. Teresita G. Damasco, provincial health officer, said tuberculosis remains a huge burden to human health, which needs special attention.

“This consultative meeting aims to explore possibilities in creating joint actions to improve TB detection rate in the province to prevent rapid transmission,” she said.

Latest provincial data show 131 deaths attributed to TB, but only 43 deaths or 33 percent of the cases were reported from rural health units.

Based on the figures, 88 of the patients or 67 percent, died without getting treatment.

"Most of these people have poor health-seeking behavior for fears of humiliation or ashamed of their conditions," Damasco said.

Apprehensive of the situation, the provincial government, in partnership with local government units, business establishments, private sectors and civil society groups are pooling resources and expertise to work to combat TB in Bukidnon.

Damasco explained that despite the fact that TB drugs are free in the province’s 24 directly observed treatment (DOT) facilities, TB is the eighth biggest cause of deaths in Bukidnon.

TB is a contagious respiratory disease, but Damasco said that, "People should know that TB is curable through the DOT or 'Tutok Gamutan.' What we need is the patients’ cooperation by going through the protocol to prevent the risk of acquiring multiple-drug resistant TB cases."

Damasco said that information and education drive will help address the problem on TB detection and cure. (RLRB-PIA 10, Bukidnon)