Improving TB control efforts in ARMM pushed
by CL Cadorna, MK Abo
Koronadal City (9 February) -- The Department of Health (DOH), Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao has conducted last February 5, one day Orientation Seminar and Workshop on Comprehensive and Unified Policy (CUP) for TB Control in ARMM.
DOH-ARMM Secretary Dr. Tahir Sulaik informed the media that the one day orientation workshop will come up with strong collaboration among participants from the different government agencies, provincial and city health officers, non-government organizations and religious groups to address the need for a more unified and concerted effort of TB control.
During the seminar the C.U.P was presented, discussed and disseminated at so that all the participants from each agency will fully understand their role in the collaboration.
Today, Tuberculosis remains a public health concern in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. This is the current assessment of the health authorities in the region.
DOH-ARMM Regional Secretary Dr. Tahir B. Sulaik said that all sectors are affected and are faced by danger of contacting TB. Even children are not spared and elderly are continually vulnerable.
Reports gathered by DOH-ARMM indicates that their agency have achieved a case detection rate of 75 percent which is above the target of the Department of Health, that is to detect at least 70 percent of the estimated new sputum smear positive TB cases.
The activity is fully supported by the USAID and TB LINC, the output of which will become the basis of the Comprehensive and Unified Policy or TB Control in ARMM, Secretary Sulaik said. (PIA 12) [top]
