ILIGAN CITY (PIA)–Six barangays here, namely Bonbonon, Hindang, Saray, Villaverde, Tipanoy, and Poblacion, were recognized as top performing barangays that achieved lowered tuberculosis (TB) cases for the year 2022.
The City Health Office gave the recognition in line with the celebration of World TB Day to intensify public awareness about the devastating health, social, and economic consequences of TB.
About 130 barangay health workers from 44 barangays, nurses, and doctors participated in the said event.
CHO recorded 288 new TB patient cases. With their data, the treatment success rate is higher at 90%.
Also, Dr. Glenn Manapaac, who is in charge of CHO, says there has been an increase in the number of TB patients who have been seen for consultations because more people are learning that TB can be treated.
“Dumadami ‘yung case natin because dumadami din naman ‘yung napa-find natin at dumadami din ‘yung nagpapakonsulta na, because slowly they are becoming aware nga ang TB dili angay nga ikaulaw kundi angay siya nga matambalan aron mabalik sila sa ilahang kahimsog,” he said.
(Our cases are increasing because we have detected more patients, and more people are now consulting their symptoms because they are becoming aware that TB is not something to be ashamed of but should be treated so that they can regain their good health)
Meanwhile, Vice Mayor Marianito Alemania encouraged TB patients not to feel embarrassed because of their condition. They should immediately consult their condition to prevent further infection.
Also, Rowena Enguito, a nurse at CHO, said people with TB can get free medicine from health centers.
“Sa mga lumulupyo sa Iligan City, nga naa na’y duha ka semana nga ubo, ayaw mo kaulaw adto sa center, kay ang TB dili na angay ikaulaw. Ang TB is curable, so maayo gyud ta og madali nato nga magpacheck-up. Dili ta maulaw muadto sa atong health center, kay libre ang tambal ang x-ray wala mo’y bayaran,” he said.
(To the residents of Iligan City who have had a cough for two weeks, don’t be ashamed to go to the center, because TB is not something to be ashamed of. TB is curable, so it’s better that you get checked up immediately. You shouldn’t feel ashamed of going to the health center because the medicine is free and you don’t have to pay for the x-ray tests). (CEC/PIA-10/Lanao del Norte)
