ILOILO City – With tuberculosis (TB) still posing a serious public health threat, the Iloilo City Health Office is doubling down on its campaign to stop its spread, highlighting not only expanded access to treatment but also a remarkable 94% treatment success rate — well above the national benchmark.
Despite this success, health officials warn the public not to let their guard down.
“TB is highly infectious and can affect anyone,” said Nurse IV Star Fortuna, Tuberculosis Program Coordinator of the Iloilo City Health Office. “It’s not just a health issue — it’s a community concern.”
Fortuna said the city is currently operating 15 TB-providing facilities that cater to both drug-susceptible and drug-resistant TB cases. Nine of these are located in district health centers in Jaro, Arevalo, La Paz, Molo, and Mandurriao, while four hospitals — St. Paul’s Hospital, Iloilo Doctors’ Hospital, Western Visayas Medical Center, and Western Visayas State University Medical Center — also serve as treatment hubs. Two dedicated TB clinics at FPAC and PTSI complete the network.
These facilities are part of the city’s intensified efforts to ensure early diagnosis, uninterrupted treatment, and community-wide education about TB.
TB primarily affects the lungs but can also spread to the brain, kidneys, and bones. According to Fortuna, the four cardinal signs of TB — persistent cough of two weeks or more, unexplained weight loss, night sweats, and prolonged fever — should never be ignored.
“Anyone experiencing these symptoms should seek immediate testing and consultation,” she said, emphasizing that early detection is crucial for successful recovery.
The city’s TB program also targets high-risk individuals, including household contacts of TB patients, persons with diabetes or HIV/AIDS, smokers, healthcare workers, and residents of overcrowded areas. Interventions focus on these groups to break the chain of transmission and reduce vulnerability.
Data from the latest reporting cycle showed that Iloilo City enrolled 2,938 patients for treatment — exceeding the 2,693 notified TB cases and yielding a treatment coverage rate of 109%.
Fortuna called this an “encouraging sign” of community trust in the public health system and proof that TB can be defeated with proper systems and cooperation.
However, she warned that stigma remains a challenge, deterring some individuals from seeking care.
“We must eliminate discrimination against TB patients and promote empathy, education, and support,” she said.
Fortuna also reminded the public to observe proper cough etiquette and hand hygiene to prevent transmission.
“TB is both preventable and curable,” she said. “But we can only end it if we stay informed and united in action.”
The City Health Office is urging residents — especially those showing symptoms or belonging to high-risk groups — to visit the nearest health center for free TB screening and treatment./PN