TUBERCULOSIS patients of San Nicolas, Pangasinan pledged their support to end TB in the community during the launching of the Department of Health (DOH) – Health Promotion Community Playbook entitled “Time to be Free! Take the TB Pledge Challenge! with the theme “Ituloy ang Bayanihan, TB ay Tuldukan” on March 22, 2024.
Assistant Regional Director Rodolfo Antonio M. Albornoz who led the pledge of commitment during the activity expressed his grief on the current status of TB patients in the country. “Up to now, TB patients are still being discriminated in our society because of the perceived risk of transmission from TB-infected individuals to susceptible residents of the community and it is for this reason that most are afraid to be screened and take medication.”
“Nagkakaroon ng feelings of shame, hopelessness at isolation kabilang na dito ang reluctance to seek treatment. Sometimes lack of understanding from family members, friends that is why TB patients have fewer opportunities for employment or social interaction because of this.”
“That is why we have to continue to provide TB education/support programs for health care workers, individuals with TB, and at-risk community members. Preventive interventions such as screening and provision of medicines must be intensified to stop the spread of TB in the community. Libre po ang gamot sa TB at ito po ay makukuha sa ating mga rural health units,” Albornoz emphasized.
The event was conducted in partnership with the Public Health Unit (PHU) of the Eastern Pangasinan District Hospital (EPDH) and San Nicolas National High School in celebration of the World Tuberculosis Day on March 24, 2024.
Aside from the launching activity, a poster-making contest were also conducted and participated by 10 high school students from of San Nicolas National High School with the objective of providing awareness and educating teenagers about tuberculosis.
Cash prizes were given away to winners amounting to P10,000 for the first prize winner, P8,000.00 for the first runner up and P5,000.00 for the 2nd runner up. Seven consolation prizes of P2,500.00 each were given to non-winners.
Time to be Free! Take the TB Pledge Challenge! is one of the Health Promotion Community Playbook being implemented in selected LGUs in the Region. It is part of the Health Promotion Framework Strategy, the national roadmap and guide being followed for all health promotion programs, activities, and projects of the Health Promotion Unit.
