The Davao City Health Office (CHO) underscored the critical role of youth participation in achieving a Tuberculosis (TB)-free city.
As part of its efforts to empower young individuals, the CHO conducted a Healthy Lungs Awareness Program on Tuesday at the Teodoro Palma Gil Elementary School, coinciding with the 2025 National Lung Month celebration.
Grades 4 and 5 students participated in the event, learning about lung care and recognizing the signs and symptoms of TB.
Dr. Nikita Marie G. Jamiana-Reyes of the CHO emphasized the importance of raising TB awareness among the youth.
“Para sila mismo aware sila kung naa sila’y signs and symptoms or maski sa ilahang mga ginikanan (So that they themselves will recognize if they have signs and symptoms of TB or if their parents have signs and symptoms),” she said.
“At least matanggal pud ang stigma sa school, nga ang TB matambalan (This will also help break the stigma in schools and establish that TB is curable),” Jamiana-Reyes added.
TB is an infectious disease primarily affecting the lungs, spread through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or spits. However, it is preventable and curable.
Common symptoms include prolonged cough, chest pain, sudden weight loss, recurring fever, fatigue, and night sweats.
The public is urged to seek immediate medical attention if experiencing these symptoms. Free TB screening and treatment are available at the district health centers.
Jamiana-Reyes shared that the CHO aims to screen 15% of the population for early detection. She added that such awareness programs help improve health-seeking behavior among the youth.
Acting Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte, in a message read by Councilor Potpot Villafuerte, also emphasized the crucial role of the youth as key drivers in preventing the spread of TB and bringing accessible solutions to public health issues in the communities.
He said that CHO’s initiative will give young students a better understanding of the disease transmission, and preventive measures on how to combat it.
“Teaching them young about public health issues and concerns allows health literacy, development, and empowers them to make educated decisions about their health,” he added.
The CHO continues to urge Dabawenyos to seek medical attention should they experience any of the TB symptoms, have a healthy lifestyle, and for those who are already diagnosed with TB to continue and be consistent with their treatment.
“Matambalan ang TB and dapat naa ta’y good health seeking behavior para kita tanan di na matakdan sa TB puhon (TB is curable, and we must have a good health-seeking behavior to end the spread of TB),” Jamiana-Reyes said. CIO
