(MB FILE PHOTO)
A total of 110 persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) were given “Interferon-Gamma Release Assay (IGRA)’’ tests as part og the government's efforts for a zero case of tuberculosis at the Quezon City Jail Female Dormitory (QCJFD), the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) said.
In a statement, the QCJFD explained that the IGRA test helps identify individuals infected with “mycobacterium tuberculosis’’ who are not yet showing symptoms.
This will enable the medical practitioners to provide early treatment and inclusion in the Department of Health’s (DOH’s) Tuberculosis Preventive Treatment (TPT) program, which is key intervention in reducing the risk of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) developing into an active case and in improving overall health outcomes.
“It involved blood collection to detect latent TB infection (LTBI), also known as “sleeping TB” or inactive TB,’’ the QCJFD noted.
The testing was facilitated by the QCJFD nurses led by Jail Officer 2 (JO2) Reena Marie F. Casiao and the BJMP-National Capital Region medical technologists.
As one of the pilot jails selected for this initiative, QCJFD stressed that it continues to lead in implementing health interventions within its detention facilities.
The initiative was made possible through the strong collaboration of the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP), the Department of Health (DOH), the Metro Manila Center for Health Development (MMCHD), and the Bureau of Jail Management Penology Regional Office-National Capital Region Regional Health Service Division (BJMPRO-NCR RHSD).
“Their joint efforts reflect a shared commitment to accessible and preventive healthcare for vulnerable populations,’’ the QCJFD added.
QCJFD warden Chief Insp. Lourvina L. Abrazado thanked the partner agencies and reaffirmed the jail’s continued efforts to promote holistic wellness and dignified care for every PDL.
“The implementation of this health program marks a significant step in upholding the rights and well-being of the facility’s residents,’’ Abrazado continued.