TBpeople Philippines Monitoring Visit to the Bicol Region

From June 27 to 28, 2024, TBpeople Philippines, in collaboration with the Tropical Disease Foundation, Lung Center of the Philippines (LCP) Research Team, and KNCV, conducted a comprehensive monitoring visit to the Bicol Region. The primary objectives were to assess the implementation status of the Bedaquiline, Pretomanid, and Linezolid (BPAL) treatment regimen across various iDOTS facilities and to evaluate the response of current drug-resistant TB (DRTB) patients under the BPAL regimen.

The visit commenced with a meeting at the Provincial DOH Office in Bicol, where the team was welcomed by Ms. Nory Pazas and Ms. Eden Espartinez, both Development Management Officer IVs. Their insights into the regional health landscape provided a valuable foundation for the subsequent facility visits.

At the Sorsogon Provincial Health Office, the team met with PHO1 Dr. Ma. Priscilla Fajardo, Dr. Edric Ian Vargas, the Rural Health Physician, and Ms. Claire Flestado, the Provincial NTP Medical Technologist Coordinator. The discussions highlighted the local strategies and efforts in managing TB cases, including the integration of the BPAL regimen into their treatment protocols.

The visit to SMMGHHSC included interactions with Medical Director Dr. Verdi Joy Gamad, Ms. Kim Rosel de Luna, the Technical Officer of PBSP, Dr. Nancy Labarete, the Clinic Physician, and MedTechs Ms. Joan Iglesia and Ms. Ana Liza Lotino. The facility showcased its dedicated efforts in TB management, emphasizing the importance of technical support and collaboration.

In Juban RHU, the team met with Dr. Elaine May Laguiles, Ms. Felipa Baeza, Ms. Angeline Grieldo, Ms. Sherryl Hobres, and Ms. Jona Erlano. Two patients on their third month of the BPAL regimen were interviewed. The patients expressed that they were well managed and guided by the facility in all aspects of treatment, especially in moral support. However, they mentioned that the facility’s ability to provide financial assistance was limited due to a lack of resources.

The visit to the Legazpi CHO provided an opportunity to meet with Ma. Cristina de Leon, the NTP Nurse Coordinator, Ms. Marichu Nase, the TB Technical Specialist, Ms. Jhanzel Marie Chua, and Sir James Matthew Buroc, the MedTechs. The facility’s efforts in TB diagnosis and treatment, particularly in urban settings, were thoroughly reviewed.

At the Center for Health Development (CHD) 5 Reference Lab, the team engaged with Dr. Jannish Alcala-Arellano, the Regional Medical Coordinator, Nurse Honeylene Binalla, the TB Technical Officer of PBSP, Sir Richard Alzaga, the Xpert Technician, Sir Darryl Balane, the MedTech, and Sir Ian Christian Catubig, the Lab Aide. The laboratory’s role in supporting TB diagnosis and treatment through advanced testing methods was discussed in detail.

The monitoring visit to the Bicol Region was highly productive, offering invaluable insights into the current status of BPAL implementation across various iDOTS facilities. The collaboration between TBpeople Philippines, the Tropical Disease Foundation, LCP Research Team, and KNCV, along with the dedicated local health professionals, underscores the collective commitment to combatting TB in the region. The findings from this visit will inform future strategies to enhance TB care and management, ultimately aiming to reduce the TB burden in the Bicol Region.