TBPeople Philippines: Partnering with PBSP, USAID, and Las Piñas LGU for Tuberculosis Awareness and Active Case Finding
TBPeople Philippines, a non-governmental organization committed to the fight against tuberculosis, has partnered with the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP), the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), and the Las Piñas Local Government Unit (LGU) on an active case finding initiative in Las Piñas City. This initiative aims to raise awareness about tuberculosis while gaining more knowledge about the disease among the residents of Las Piñas. Through this program, the LGU and the Department of Health’s Las Piñas City Health Office aim to detect all possible tuberculosis cases in Las Piñas, provide them with appropriate care, and ultimately decrease the transmission of the disease.
One of the standout elements of this initiative is the introduction of Fast Track the Cure, an innovative approach to treating drug-resistant TB (DR-TB). The #6MonthsMax campaign, part of the Fast Track the Cure initiative, offers new hope to DR-TB patients by reducing the treatment duration to just six months. This shortened treatment period made possible through advances in medication, improves patient outcomes by making the treatment process more manageable and less burdensome.
In addition to awareness and treatment, the initiative advocates for adopting modern technology to enhance TB management. The One Impact App, a mobile application designed specifically for TB patients, will be introduced to Laspiñeros as part of this campaign. By promoting the use of this app, the initiative ensures that TB patients have access to vital resources about TB services. The app also allows to collect real-time data, helping them better understand patient needs and identify areas for improvement in TB care delivery.
Through these coordinated efforts, the program aims to protect the health of all Laspiñeros, support TB patients on their journey to recovery, and make significant strides toward the ultimate goal of eradicating TB in the Philippines. This initiative is a shining example of how collaboration, innovation, and education can come together to create lasting positive change in public health.