ILOILO City – Tuberculosis (TB) remains a silent but severe public health threat in Western Visayas, with more than 22,000 estimated cases in 2023 — a figure that far exceeds reported numbers — prompting health officials in the recent National TB Day to push for aggressive preventive treatment and biennial chest X-rays to find and treat hidden infections.
The Philippine Tuberculosis Society, Inc. (PTSI) has stepped up free chest X-ray caravans in underserved areas amid detection gaps. Iloilo province had an estimated 13,277 TB cases in 2023 but only 8,964 were reported.
Capiz logged 4,012 of the 5,218 estimated cases; Guimaras 694 of 1,221; while Iloilo City recorded 2,946 cases, it added.
TB is a serious infectious disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It spreads through the air when a person with infectious lung TB coughs, sneezes, speaks, or sings — especially in enclosed, poorly ventilated spaces. It is not spread by sharing utensils, shaking hands, or casual contact.
Preventive treatment coverage remained low — 69 individuals in Capiz, 124 in Iloilo province, 56 in Iloilo City, and eight in Guimaras received Tuberculosis Preventive Treatment (TPT).
“We rank number one in Southeast Asia and fourth in the world for TB burden. This means we are one of the countries with the highest number of TB cases, following India, China, and Indonesia,” said former Health secretary Dr. Paulyn Jean Roselle Ubial.
Only 19% of those experiencing symptoms go for check-ups, she said.
Common symptoms to watch for:
* Cough lasting 2 weeks or more (sometimes with blood)
* Fever and night sweats
* Unexplained weight loss and loss of appetite
* Chest pain or shortness of breath; persistent fatigue
* In children: poor weight gain, persistent cough, lethargy
“Our coverage of TB preventive treatment is alarmingly low. We cannot achieve elimination if we only treat active cases and latent cases — those with symptoms or abnormal X-ray findings. Asymptomatic TB cases that still show infection on X-rays are often overlooked. We will never eliminate TB if we only focus on treating the sick,” Ubial emphasized.
She added that stigma is keeping people away from clinics.
“Fighting TB stigma is as crucial as medical treatment. People are afraid to seek help because they fear judgment and discrimination, not only from the community but also from family members. This fear can prevent them from receiving a diagnosis or completing their treatment,” she lamented.
There is a need to spread the “good news” that there is treatment,” stressed Ubial.
In a public message for National TB Day, the Department of Health in Western Visayas urged high-risk groups — close contacts of TB patients, people living with HIV, and those with weakened immunity or living in crowded settings—to seek consultation.
In observance of National TB Day on Aug. 19, the Department of Health (DOH) Region 6 encourages anyone who falls into these high-risk categories to seek consultation at the nearest TB-DOTS (Directly Observed Treatment, Short-course) facility.
“These centers are equipped to provide guidance and resources about TPT, ensuring that individuals understand how they can protect their health and the health of their communities,” said DOH-6 in a public statement.
“By participating in TPT, you not only take a significant step in safeguarding your own health but also contribute to the larger goal of eliminating TB altogether. Join the movement and learn more about how you can be part of the solution to #EndTB,” it added.
How to avoid TB (and protect others)
* Get screened – Adults are advised to undergo a chest X-ray every two years, or sooner if exposed or symptomatic.
* Take TPT if eligible – Close contacts of TB patients, people living with HIV, and other high-risk groups should consult about Tuberculosis Preventive Treatment.
* Complete treatment – If diagnosed, finish the full course of TB medicines to prevent relapse and drug resistance.
* Improve airflow & mask when ill – Keep rooms ventilated; cover coughs and wear a mask when symptomatic.
* BCG for infants – The BCG vaccine at birth helps protect young children from severe TB.
* Maintain good nutrition and avoid overcrowding where possible./PN