DOH brings intensified campaign against TB to Cebu

Local

TUBERCULOSIS (TB) continues to weigh heavily on Central Visayas, where 33,511 cases were recorded in 2024, prompting the government to intensify its campaign against the disease.

The Department of Health in Central Visayas (DOH 7) said the figure, which the region, still including the provinces of Negros Oriental and Siquijor, highlights the urgent need for stronger interventions, according to Director Dr. Joshua Brillantes.

As part of this effort, the DOH brought its Nationwide Simultaneous Active Case Finding (ACF) drive to Cebu City on Friday, August 29, in observance of National Lung Month 2025.

The event at Plaza Independencia offered free medical

check-ups, chest X-rays, tuberculin skin testing, TB preventive treatment, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) screening and counseling, and health education.

Health Undersecretary Dr. Mary Ann P. Maestral and Brillantes led the activity, inspecting the site and meeting Cebuanos who availed themselves of the services.

Maestral stressed that the DOH has shifted to a more proactive strategy.

“We will no longer wait for people to come to us. We will go out, barangay to barangay, to do case finding. If we can find someone, we will treat them—and it’s free,” she said.

The Cebu event formed part of a campaign that simultaneously reached 17 regions, serving more than 7,000 individuals nationwide.

The initiative prioritizes vulnerable groups such as people exposed to TB patients, persons living with HIV, and individuals with weakened immune systems.

From January to June 2025, the Integrated Tuberculosis Information System (ITIS) logged 192,733 cases across the Philippines.

The country currently ranks fourth worldwide in TB burden.

Officials also noted rising concerns over TB and HIV in detention facilities.

The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology has been conducting surveillance, screening, and treatment for persons deprived of liberty.

In Cebu City, the campaign was carried out with the support of Mayor Nestor Archival, the City Health Office, and City Health Officer Dr. Daisy Villa. Community health workers were mobilized to help track patients and ensure treatment compliance.

DOH reiterated that TB is curable and treatment is free at local health centers.

However, emphasized the need for patients to complete the full course of medication to prevent relapse and drug resistance.

The active case finding drive forms part of the directive of Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to strengthen the country’s campaign against TB.(MyTVCebu)