CAPIZ — The Capiz Provincial Government, through its Provincial Health Office (PHO), conducted a Tuberculosis Active Case Finding (ACF) activity in Barangay Baybay, a coastal village here, on February 18, screening 92 residents.
The initiative was spearheaded by Dr. Alex T. Nolasco, chief of the Capiz Provincial Health Office, as part of intensified efforts to combat tuberculosis (TB) in the province.
The primary objective of the ACF activity was to identify individuals exhibiting symptoms of TB and provide them with timely medical intervention. Health workers carried out symptom screening and facilitated access to diagnostic services within the community.
The activity was conducted in partnership with the USAID TB Implementation Framework Agreement (TIFA), highlighting the collaborative approach in addressing public health concerns.
TB, caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis, primarily affects the lungs and spreads through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or spits. Common symptoms include a persistent cough lasting three weeks or more, chest pain, coughing up blood or sputum, fatigue, weight loss, fever, chills, and night sweats.
Health data show that TB remains a significant concern in Western Visayas. According to 2023 data from the Philippine Tuberculosis Society, Inc. (PTSI), the region had more than 22,000 estimated TB cases, but actual case notifications fell short of projections.
In Iloilo province, 13,277 cases were estimated, yet only 8,964 were reported. Capiz recorded 5,218 estimated cases with 4,012 notified, while Guimaras reported 694 out of an estimated 1,221 cases. Iloilo City logged 2,946 estimated cases.
Preventive treatment coverage also remained low, with only 69 individuals in Capiz receiving TB preventive treatment in 2023, compared to 124 in Iloilo province, 56 in Iloilo City, and eight in Guimaras.
During the ACF activity, trained health workers conducted extensive TB symptom screening to facilitate early detection and prevent further transmission. Immediate access to diagnostic services, including sputum testing and chest X-rays, was provided to remove barriers related to transportation and healthcare access.
Individuals requiring further evaluation were referred to local health facilities for appropriate treatment and follow-up. Education on treatment adherence was also emphasized to ensure successful recovery and prevent drug resistance.
Dr. Nolasco underscored the importance of community participation in addressing the disease.
“The success of this initiative reflects our collective responsibility to address TB. By working together with our partners, we can significantly reduce the impact of this disease and provide essential health services to those in need,” he said.
Provincial officials said the activity demonstrates the local government’s continued commitment to prioritizing public health and strengthening community-based interventions to curb TB in Capiz./PN
