Iloilo city: The Iloilo City Health Office (CHO) is enhancing its campaign against tuberculosis (TB) by offering free chest X-rays in several barangays this month, urging residents to participate in the screening and pursue early treatment options.

According to Philippines News Agency, National Tuberculosis Program Nurse Coordinator Ma. Estrella Fortuna emphasized that the initiative seeks to uncover more TB cases, particularly among individuals reluctant to visit health centers despite the free diagnosis and treatment provided. 'There are still people who hesitate to go to our health centers. That is why we provide TB preventive therapy, including free medicines for household contacts of TB patients,' Fortuna stated during a press conference.

Fortuna highlighted that TB, an airborne infectious disease, is both preventable and curable through early detection and appropriate treatment, which is offered at no cost at district health centers. From January to June, the city enrolled 1,520 patients in its TB program, achieving about half of its 2026 target of 2,972 cases. In 2025, there were 2,840 notified cases against a target of 3,004. Most patients are aged between 25 and 45 years old, Fortuna noted.

The city's TB treatment success rate improved to 95 percent in the first half of 2026, up from 93 percent in 2025, with standard treatment spanning six months. In alignment with National Lung Month, the CHO will offer free chest X-rays to residents aged 15 and older at Barangay MH Del Pilar in Jaro on Aug. 25, with further screenings planned for selected barangays in the Molo, La Paz, Lapuz, and Mandurriao districts. 'This is a big help because X-rays are expensive,' Fortuna remarked.

Common signs of TB include a persistent cough lasting over two weeks, unexplained weight loss, loss of appetite, and night sweats.