RESIDENTS troop to the Plaza Independencia in Cebu City for the Nationwide Simultaneous Active Case Finding (ACF) as part of the observance of the National Lung Month and TB Day on Friday, Aug. 29. (Calvin Cordova)
CEBU CITY – As part of the intensified campaign against tuberculosis (TB), the Department of Health (DOH) spearheaded the holding of the Nationwide Simultaneous Active Case Finding (ACF) on Friday, Aug. 29.
Among the 29 areas that hosted the activity was Cebu City where close to 1,000 residents flocked at the Plaza Independencia to avail of free medical checkups, chest X-rays, tuberculin skin testing, TB preventive treatment, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) screening and counseling, and health education.
The city government of Cebu spearheaded the launching of the “TPTodo: Panangga Laban sa TB, Proteksyon ay Garanti,” an initiative that seeks to raise awareness on Tuberculosis Preventive Treatment (TPT).
TPT is described as an effective way to stop the progression and transmission of TB in communities. It is usually given to people who were exposed to TB patients, persons living with HIV, and those who are suffering from illnesses or with low resistance.
Department of Health (DOH) Undersecretary Mary Ann Palermo-Maestral said a more proactive strategy has been adopted to prevent the spread of TB.
“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.
According to the Integrated Tuberculosis Information System (ITIS), 192,733 cases of TB were recorded in the country from January to June this year. The country ranks fourth worldwide in TB burden.
In Central Visayas, 33,511 TB cases were recorded in 2024. Figures still included the provinces of Negros Oriental and Siquijor, which are now not part of Region 7.
DOH reiterated that TB is curable and treatment is free at local health centers.
The agency emphasized the need for patients to complete the full course of medication to prevent relapse and drug resistance.