In its effort to raise community awareness on tuberculosis (TB), the Department of Health Bicol Center for Health Development (DOH Bicol CHD), in collaboration with the Camarines Norte Provincial Health Office, led a health promotion campaign focused on TB dubbed as “Bicol! Para sa Healthy Lungs, Pa-check kaLungs!” at the Agro Sports Center in Daet, Camarines Norte.
This also aimed at strengthening the region’s TB detection and treatment efforts.
DOH Bicol CHD Assistant Regional Director, Dr. Rosa Maria B. Rempillo, underscored the crucial role of early detection and consistent treatment in combating TB.
“Kailangan pong malaman ng mas nakararami na ang TB ay maaaring iwasan at gamutin sa pamamagitan ng maagang pag-alam ng mga sintomas, maayos at tuloy-tuloy na gamutan, at malawakang promosyon at edukasyon sa kalusugan,” she said.
From January to June 2024, Camarines Norte recorded 1,395 new and relapse TB cases, resulting in a Case Notification Rate (CNR) of 211 per 100,000 people. This highlights the urgent need for heightened awareness and expanded TB testing in the region.
In his message, Governor Ricarte R. Padilla urged the public to avoid stigmatizing family members with TB and instead encourage them to seek proper treatment. “I would like to appeal, na kung meron man sa pamilya ninyo ang merong problema na Tuberculosis, huwag niyo pong ikahihiya ang inyong pamilya na mayroong sakit,” he said. The governor also emphasized the importance of proper nutrition and a healthy lifestyle in preventing and managing tuberculosis.
Additionally, the event featured free TB and HIV testing, along with health education games and activities for the participants to engage in.
The campaign saw active participation from students, barangay health workers, government employees, and officials from hospitals, private institutions, and organizations.
Key officials present included Mr. Ian Mhar Tejada, Daet Councilor on Health and Sanitation; Dr. Arnel E. Francisco, Camarines Norte Provincial Health Officer; Ms. Lana Cristina Salma-Fuertes, NTP Coordinator; and Dr. Lalaine Villasis, OIC Camarines Norte Provincial DOH Officer. (DOH5/NRB)
(Source: DOH Bicol CHD)