BuCor, DOH address TB incidence among PDLs

Manila: Prison and health officials on Wednesday announced a plan of action to immediately address the incidence of tuberculosis among persons deprived of liberty (PDLs). TB Free Generation Campaign was launched by the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor), in cooperation with the Department of Health (DOH), in celebration of the National Custodial Consciousness Week. In a news release, BuCor Director General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. said this signifies a 'proactive approach' of the agency to focus on intervention, early detection and intervention among PDLs, as he acknowledged the challenges posed by congestion and vulnerability of inmates. Under the program, he said regular TB screenings are instituted to facilitate and ensure the well-being of both inmates and staff members within the correctional system. Based on records, a total of 165 PDLs at the New Bilibid Prison are currently undergoing TB treatment from January to present, while 139 others have already been treated. Catapang thanked the DOH for its un wavering support to BuCor's healthcare initiatives. The collaboration also includes key stakeholders, such as the Muntinlupa City Health Office, the International Committee of the Red Cross, the Metro Manila Center for Health Development, and the MVP Corporate Social Responsibility group. 'This collective effort underscores the importance of partnerships in addressing public health challenges,' the BuCor said. The need for intensified efforts against tuberculosis in the Philippines is underscored by recent data from the World Health Organization (WHO). The country has reported the highest incidence of TB cases in the Western Pacific Region, placing it among the top five nations burdened with a high prevalence of the disease. Alongside China, Mongolia, Papua New Guinea, and Vietnam, the Philippines grapples with the complex task of tackling TB within its population. Source: Philippines News Agency