ILOILO CITY – Health authorities intensified their tuberculosis (TB) detection campaign in this city, reaching at least 101 clients in a single day as part of a coordinated push to curb undiagnosed cases during the World TB Day celebration on March 17.
The Department of Health (DOH) in Western Visayas, in partnership with the Iloilo City Health Office (CHO) and the Arevalo District Health Center, rolled out a multi-service outreach at Barangay Sta. Filomena Gymnasium in Arevalo, highlighting early detection as the frontline strategy against the spread of TB.
Anchored on the national theme “Yes! Pilipinas can #End TB!”, the initiative focused on identifying at-risk individuals and ensuring immediate screening to prevent missed or delayed diagnoses that could worsen transmission in communities.
A total of 101 clients availed themselves of integrated health services, including PhilPEN risk assessment, dental consultations, HIV testing, nutrition counseling, and free chest X-ray examinations followed by professional consultations for presumptive TB cases.
Health experts underscored that tuberculosis remains a serious airborne infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, spreading when infected individuals cough, sneeze, speak, or sing, particularly in enclosed and poorly ventilated spaces.
The event also featured an interactive discussion led by Dr. Ma. Cecilia P. Momville and Dr. Eli John Berame of the Philippine College of Chest Physicians – Iloilo Chapter, along with Dr. Ella Mae Divinagracia of the Philippine Society for Microbiology and Infectious Diseases – Western Visayas Chapter. The session was moderated by Mr. Alberto Capanas Jr., RN.
Adding urgency to the campaign, Joebert De Los Santos of Chi Lungs TB Support Community Inc. shared a personal testimonial, emphasizing the human cost of delayed diagnosis and the need for sustained awareness.
The initiative was spearheaded by Iloilo CHO Medical Coordinator Dr. Phoebe B. Delleva Jr. and Nurse Coordinator Ma. Estrella Fortuna, in collaboration with Dr. Christine Rose Soriano, Program Manager for SWIFTB/TIFA, and Dr. Jan Reygine Ansino-Hortinela, Medical Officer III and OIC-Head of the Arevalo District Health Center. DOH WV CHD Regional NTP-MT Coordinator Robinson Canson also provided technical guidance.
“As we reflect on the importance of World TB Day, it is a reminder of the collective responsibility to prioritize health initiatives and foster community participation in addressing public health challenges like tuberculosis. Together, we can achieve the goal f ending TB in Iloilo City and beyond,” said DOH in a statement.
Health officials said the campaign reflects a broader strategy of strengthening grassroots engagement and integrated service delivery to move Iloilo City closer to eliminating tuberculosis as a public health threat./PN
