The Department of Health-Davao (DOH-11) has intensified its campaign against tuberculosis (TB) as cases in the region continue to rise.

Data from the DOH-11 showed that TB cases went up to over 4,000 in the first three months of 2024, which is 40 percent higher compared to the same period last year.

Most of the cases are individuals 15 to 35 years old.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), TB is caused by bacteria (Mycobacterium tuberculosis) and it most often affects the lungs. It can be spread through the air when people with lung TB cough, sneeze, or spit. It can be deadly but it can also be cured so early diagnosis is important.

However, other people refused to get tested or seek medical attention because of stigma.

“Don’t be afraid if you have symptoms of TB DOH and other support group will be there to help you and always remember it is not always the end of the world,” DOH-11 National TB Program Head, Evelyn Uy-Gelito, said.

DOH-11 beefed up its case finding initiative to urge people with TB to get treated.

TB survivor and president of the TB People Philippines, Ma. Loisa Teng, said education campaign about TB should be strengthened and bringing laboratory centers closer to residents is necessary.

“Always put the laboratories near the residents because before we have it in rural areas like in other regions 6 hours away pa na they have to travel just to get a laboratory. You are putting the medication area in your health center naman but the lab near the cities, not yet, not all,” Teng said.

DOH is also trying to put up super health centers that have laboratory diagnostic test such as X-ray and ultrasound.

“Nagtry po ang Department of Health na mag put-up ng ating super health center ito ay meron ng laboratory diagnostic test to improve the chest xray and ultrasound etc.,” DOH-11 Infectious Disease Cluster Head, Dr. Hansel Amoguis, said.