In a bid to have a wider reach of the city’s tuberculosis (TB) prevention program, the Davao City Health Office (CHO) is conducting active case-finding activities or TB screening in barangays with Indigenous People (IP) communities.
Dr. Nikita Marie Jamiana, CHO’s TB Program Focal Person, said in an interview with the Madayaw Program over city-owned Davao City Disaster Radio, that this initiative intends to ensure that Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDAs) receive health programs from the city, create awareness on disease prevention and mitigation, as well as to break stigma in the community.
The program started in October 2024 through various capacity-building training in barangays with IP communities.
“Sugod atong October nag-train ta’g mga kagawad for health, SK chairman. Gi-empower nato sila kay para kabalo ang atoang mga IP community unsa ang tinuod sa TB, dili sila mahadlok pud na magpa-screening (In October last year, we started training the Kagawads for Health, SK Chairpersons, among others. We empowered them so that the IP community will become aware of the facts about TB so that they will no longer be scared to submit themselves for screening),” she said.
She also emphasized that the activity does not necessarily point to an alarming spike of cases of TB in IP communities, but rather as part of the city’s thrust to a TB-free Davao City.
The CHO, in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Department of Health (DOH), started the active case finding in barangays with IP communities on June 2 in Tugbok District.
Jamiana said that on June 9, the team will conduct the activity in Barangay Sibulan.
She added that the commencement proper of this initiative is scheduled on June 16–20.
During the activity, free x-ray service is offered. Other health services will also be available during active case finding.
Jamiana also clarified that co-morbidities like Diabetes Mellitus might increase a person’s risk of acquiring tuberculosis.
She also put an emphasis on the importance of early detection through x-ray to prevent the spread of TB, as well as to immediately and efficiently treat the patient.
The CHO continues to urge Dabawenyos to submit themselves for TB screening, especially those who had close contact with patients with TB.
TB screening, consultation, testing and treatment remains free at the City Health Office and the district health offices. CIO
