THE RISE in tuberculosis (TB) cases in Western Visayas, with over 46,000 reported last year and 858 lives lost to the disease shows the need for comprehensive health reforms at the local level. The Department of Health (DOH) has made clear that early detection and treatment are crucial but to make significant strides, local governments must assume a central role in both enhancing health infrastructure in their turfs and ensuring adequate funding for disease control programs.
Western Visayas is home to a wide range of communities, each with unique challenges in accessing healthcare. While the region has made strides in expanding the availability of TB testing and treatment services — 130 TB DOTS (Directly Observed Treatment, Short-course) facilities are currently spread across the provinces and cities — this network may still fall short, particularly in remote and underserved areas.
The sheer volume of TB cases in the region signals a gap in both awareness and access. In areas where health facilities are already stretched thin, more localized services and mobile health units — such as the TB Van conducting chest X-ray screenings — are critical. These services must be further expanded to reach the farthest corners of the region, ensuring that no one is left behind.
The government’s role in investing in infrastructure goes beyond providing facilities; it involves equipping these centers with adequate staff, training, and resources to handle the surge in cases. Health workers must be empowered to lead effective TB control programs, and local governments must commit to providing continuous education to both healthcare providers and the public on the importance of early symptom recognition and the need for regular check-ups.
Equally vital is funding. DOH’s program for free TB treatment is an invaluable resource, but financial support for TB care should not end there. Local government units (LGUs) must recognize that tackling the TB crisis requires sustained and adequate funding — both for preventive measures and for treatment. Health budgets must prioritize TB control programs, ensuring that these initiatives are well-funded and can meet the growing demand for services. Funding must also be directed toward public health campaigns aimed at raising awareness about TB symptoms, preventive measures, and the importance of completing the full course of treatment.
Moreover, TB prevention strategies, including TB Preventive Treatment (TPT) for high-risk groups such as healthcare workers and people living with HIV, require strong local leadership and inter-agency collaboration. It is crucial that LGUs work alongside national health bodies, non-government organizations, and community groups to facilitate the proactive screening and treatment of at-risk individuals before TB becomes an active threat.
In addition to healthcare investments, local governments must also prioritize policies that reduce the social determinants of health — such as poverty and poor living conditions — that increase susceptibility to TB.
Addressing the TB epidemic in Western Visayas is a shared responsibility between the national government and the local authorities. However, it is at the local level that the most immediate and effective action can be taken. TB treatment and prevention must reach everyone, everywhere.
