MANILA, Philippines – Around 30 percent of some 450,000 Filipinos with tuberculosis do not get treatment, primarily for fear of stigma associated with the disease.
According to Dr. Thelma Tupasi, head of the Tropical Disease Foundation, around one-third percent of TB patients do not avail of the medicine even if they are offered for free in some health clinics.
These patients, she said, prefer to self-medicate or not do anything at all, exposing themselves to complications.
Tupasi warned that TB patients who do not complete treatment are in danger of developing multi-drug resistant TB, the treatment of which is more expensive and prolonged.
Dr. Michael Voniatis, medical officer of the World Health Organization (WHO), noted that “cultural barriers including the fear of stigma” prevent TB patients from seeking treatment.
But Dr. Yolanda Oliveros, director of the Department of Health’s (DOH) National Center for Disease Prevention and Control, claimed that this should not be the case because TB is curable if patients would only undergo proper and adequate treatment.
Oliveros added that TB patients should not be complacent because TB could lead to various complications and even death in severe cases.
The Philippines ranked 22nd among the countries burdened with TB, down from its previous standing at 7th and 9th place.
The prevalence rate is pegged at 500 per 100,000.
The country observed World TB Day yesterday with calls from health officials not to be guided by misconceptions about the illness.–Sheila Crisostomo, Philippine Star
September 18 –
International Equal Pay Day
“Increase wages now,
more than other cost items.
For widespread, practical equality!”
Invoke Article 33 of the ILO Constitution
against the military junta in Myanmar
to carry out the recommendations of the 2021 ILO Commission of Inquiry
against serious violations of protocols of
Forced Labour and Freedom of Association.
Accept the National Unity Government (NUG)
of Myanmar. Reject Military!
#WearMask #WashHands
#Report Corruption #SearchPosts #TakePicturesVideos
October –
Monthly Observances:
Industry and Commerce Safety Month
National Statistics Month
Local Government Month
Consumer Welfare Month
Cooperative Month
National Quality and Productivity Improvement Month
National Health and Wellness Tourism Month
National Indigenous Peoples Month
Weekly Observances:
Week 1: Elderly Filipino Week
Week 2: National Health Education Week
Local Government Week
National Mental Health Week
October 17-23:
National Week for Overcoming Extreme Poverty
October 18 – 24:
United Nations Week
Last Week:
Nurses’ Week
Consumers’ Protection Week
Week of the 4th Sunday:
Barrio Farmers’ Week
Daily Observances:
First Monday (Oct 4): Universal Children’s Day i
n the Philippines
Oct 5: National Teachers’ Day
Oct 10: Local Government Day
Third Thursday (Oct 14): Conflict Resolution Day
Oct 21: Tenants’ Emancipation day
Oct 24: United Nations Day
Oct 29: National Indigenous People’s Thanksgiving Day
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