ILOILO – Alarmed by the death of 160 tuberculosis (TB) patients in 2024 despite being enrolled in treatment programs, the Iloilo Provincial Health Office (IPHO) is ramping up its campaign for early diagnosis and strict adherence to treatment protocols.
The province recorded a total of 8,868 TB cases last year, with the highest numbers reported in Passi City (539), Pototan (464), Dumangas (382), San Joaquin (328), and Barotac Viejo (294), according to IPHO head Dr. Maria Socorro Colmenares-Quiñon.
Of these cases, 160 patients died due to TB or complications from other medical conditions — a number the IPHO finds unacceptable, given that TB is a preventable and curable disease if diagnosed early and treated consistently.
Quiñon also disclosed that 98% of TB patients were screened for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), with 39 individuals testing positive and subsequently referred to HIV treatment services.
Tuberculosis is a bacterial infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, primarily affecting the lungs and spreading through airborne droplets when infected individuals cough, sneeze, or spit.
Common symptoms include persistent coughing, coughing up blood, chest pain, fever, chills, and unexplained weight loss.
“The Iloilo PHO remains at the forefront of the fight against TB as we continue to implement the National Tuberculosis Program in line with the Department of Health’s (DOH) goals,” Quiñon said. “We aim to reduce TB incidence, prevent deaths, and provide access to quality TB services for all Ilonggos.”
In collaboration with the DOH, Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP), Philippine Coalition Against TB (PhilCAT), and Philippine Tuberculosis Society, Inc. (PTSI), IPHO has committed to enhance case detection, treatment success, and overall program sustainability.
This year, Iloilo Province aims to achieve the global TB targets through the “90-90-90 strategy”:
* 90% case detection rate – Identifying at least 90% of all TB cases, including drug-resistant TB.
* 90% treatment success rate – Ensuring 90% of diagnosed TB patients complete their medication.
* 90% preventive treatment coverage – Providing preventive therapy to high-risk populations such as household contacts and people living with HIV.
To reach these targets, the IPHO will focus on five core strategies:
Strengthening Health Facilities
* Training primary healthcare providers in TB diagnosis and treatment.
* Expanding diagnostic services via Rapid TB Diagnostic Laboratories (GeneXpert).
* Enrolling eligible individuals in TB Preventive Treatment (TPT).
* Establishing a Health Care Provider Network for TB.
Launching health promotion campaigns and improving program monitoring.
Active Case Finding and Screening
* Conducting community x-ray screenings, especially in Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDA) and Indigenous Peoples (IP) communities.
* Expanding the X-ray Voucher Program to provide free chest x-rays.
* Intensifying contact tracing and household screenings.
* Integrating TB screenings in other health initiatives.
Securing Sustainable TB Financing
* Urging local government units (LGUs) to allocate funding for TB programs.
* Expanding PhilHealth TB-DOTS accreditation for service reimbursement.
Improving Supply Chain and Treatment Access
* Ensuring continuous supply of TB medicines from DOH for both adults and children.
* Supplementing with LGU-procured medicines, specimen cups, and medical supplies.
Enhancing TB Surveillance and Data
* Strengthening reporting through the Integrated TB Information System (ITIS).
* Conducting TB death reviews to understand mortality trends and improve interventions.
Quiñon emphasized that TB treatment is free of charge in all Rural Health Units (RHUs) across Iloilo, all of which are certified by DOH as TB-DOTS facilities.
Individuals showing TB symptoms are encouraged to visit their RHUs for screening. Once diagnosed, patients are provided with a six-month course of antibiotics, after which they undergo follow-up x-rays and lab tests to confirm recovery.
“Almost all patients who strictly follow the six-month medication course are cured,” Quiñon added.
On March 24, the IPHO and DOH marked World Tuberculosis Day in the town of Mina, where around 300 residents availed themselves of various health services, including free TB x-ray screenings.
For more information on TB services, the public is advised to contact the Iloilo Provincial Health Office or their nearest RHU./PN
