To improve Pasig City’s health services to citizens, the local government on Friday, March 23, hosted a conference focusing on the integration of gender-based responses to local cases of tuberculosis (TB).

The conference titled “Modelling a Gender Responsive TB Program in the Community: Validation of Gender Responsiveness in TB Prevention and Management,” is part of the project that aims to utilize a gender perspective in addressing TB.

It is primarily implemented by the Women’s Health Care Foundation Inc. (WHCF), through the memorandum of agreement (MOA) signed with the Pasig local government last December 2022.

The program was funded by the Department of Science and Technology - Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (DOST-PCHRD).

Gracing the conference at the Tanghalang Pasigueno were Pasig Congressman Roman Romulo, City Councilors Corazon Raymundo, Quin Cruz, and Simon Romulo Tantoco, WHCF President Dr. Marita Reyes, and WHCF Executive Director Dr. Helen Valenzuela.

Also present were Gender and Development (GAD) Office Officer-in-Charge Rey Espina, Pasig National Tuberculosis Control Program (NTP) Coordinator Dr. Glen Sumayao from the City Health Department (CHD), Barangay Councilors Judith Banzuela and Zandro Cruz, members of the Manggahan and Santolan health centers and health associations.

(Konsehal Quin Cruz Facebook Page / MANILA BULLETIN)

The forum tackled the gender differences in case finding and treatment of TB patients, emphasizing the need to consider gender as an important factor to address the local response to the illness.

In a report by the Global Citizen, majority (64 percent) of TB patients globally are men, but women with TB are said to be disproportionately stigmatized by their communities due to their gender.

According to the technical brief made by The Global Fund in 2020 titled “Tuberculosis, Gender and Human Rights,” women may have less access to TB treatment and prevention services than men due to cultural norms and inequalities.”

Discussions on TB, its modes of transmission, effects and methods to mitigate or prevent it were also shared in the conference.

In his talk, Dr. Sumayao urged the public to proceed to the city’s health centers, especially if urgent medical assistance is needed, and regularly consult doctors and nurses.

He noted that chest x-rays and other needed examinations for TB patients are free in the barangay health centers. Medications for TB are also branded and readily available..

He added that the NTP-CHD regularly monitors and visits barangay health centers all over Pasig to supply any lacking equipment and tools.

Sumayao said it is important to fight against the stigma and discrimination that people with TB have experienced, and become active in barangay health programs.

He cited that the infectious nature of TB affects not just the patient, but can debilitate whole communities.

(Konsehal Quin Cruz Facebook Page / MANILA BULLETIN)

Students and teachers from Manggahan High School (MHS) and Santolan High School (SHS) also attended the event to receive awards for their artworks in the conference’s poster making contest.

The students painted images conveying awareness of TB and solidarity to TB patients.

Councilor Raymundo, who was part of the judging committee for the poster contest, said the activity “sends an important message about caring for people sick of TB,” from the youth.