The Betser family from Zamboanga Sibugay shares a story common to many. Faced with tuberculosis (TB) infecting three family members—son Lloyd Vincent, husband Bernard, and daughter Leah—their limited income initially led them to seek alternative treatments like faith healing and self-medication.
Arlyn, Bernard’s wife who earns P4,000 as a household helper, felt immense pressure during that challenging time.
The family is one of the partner-beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) in Region 9. Through the Family Development Sessions (FDS), one of the key components in the implementation of the 4Ps, they learned the importance of knowing the symptoms, early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of TB. More importantly, they realized the value of seeking prof essional help and that self-medication could make things worse.
After her family recovered, Arlyn requested for a special FDS to be conducted among her co-4Ps beneficiaries in their area. Arlyn shared her story so others like her would learn.
“Napakalaking tulong ang FDS sa amin dahil nalaman ko kung paano magamot ang TB, paano maiiwasan, at ano ang gagawin para hindi makahawa sa iba (FDS is a big help because we learned how to cure TB, how to prevent it, and how to curb its spread),” said Arlyn.
Sharing personal stories
THE Betser family was one of the families gathered to share personal stories of battling TB during an event organized by the Department of Health (DOH), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID)’s TB Innovations and Health Systems Strengthening Project (TB IHSS) implemented by FHI 360. FHI360 is an international nonprofit organization working to improve the health and well-being of people in the United States and around the world.
Representatives from the DSWD and USAID also attended the event dubbed “Empowering Families Against Tuberculosis: Success Stories and Insights from the Implementation of Family Development Session on TB Awareness” which was held at the Luxent Hotel in Quezon City last March 14, 2024.
Tuberculosis remains a global concern, according to Health Secretary Teodoro J. Herbosa.
“TB is a public health emergency and needs concerted action from all stakeholders. We’ve made notable progress in the fight against TB, including finding 2.1 million people with TB,” he said.
Important intervention
FDS, a continuing education program conducted nationwide, is regarded as an important intervention to fulfill the family development thrust of the 4Ps. It intends to strengthen the capacities of 4Ps families, particularly the parents/grantees, to become more responsive to the health and education needs of the family and their children, to become more socially aware, and to be involved and participative in community development activities.
Another success story is that of the Arimado family. When Lhian Arimado started to experience weight loss, frequent chills, and occasional vomiting, her mother Cecilia, a market vendor, knew something was wrong. During her pre-graduation photoshoot, Lhian suddenly felt weak and unable to stand. Cecilia took her to a clinic in Legazpi, Albay where she was later referred to a health center for further evaluation. There, Lhian was diagnosed with TB. However, it was only through FDS that Lhian was able to start taking her medications.
“Ang FDS ang nagbigay daan para sa paggaling ng aking anak (FDS was the key towards the healing of my daughter),” Cecilia said. “Pinagkalooban nila ang aming anak ng mga gamot at bitamina at tinuruan kung paano maalagaan ang aming sarili at ang mga kamag-anak na may tuberculosis. (They gave her medicines and vitamins, and they taught us how to better care for ourselves and for others).”
Marites M. Maristela, DSWD Assistant Secretary for National Household Targeting Office and 4Ps, said that it was in 2016 when the DOH conducted the National TB Prevalence Survey. Based on the survey, a beneficiary of the 4Ps is 1.6 times more likely to get sick of TB than a non-beneficiary.
Pilot test
TO address the higher TB rates among beneficiaries, DSWD pilot-tested an FDS guide on TB awareness in San Juan City, Bataan, and Cavite also in 2016. In 2019, DSWD started to work with USAID’s TB Innovations and Health Systems Strengthening to roll out the FDS on TB Awareness. Revisions based on the session guide were delayed by Covid-19 but completed in 2022 with USAID support.
Maristela explained that during an FDS on TB awareness, attendees who themselves may be experiencing TB symptoms or who have a family member experiencing them are referred to local government or barangay health units for further assessment and treatment.
“FDS sessions have emerged as a valuable strategy for raising TB awareness within family units, fostering behavioral changes, reducing stigma, promoting community engagement, and ensuring long-term impact in the fight against TB,” said Vilma Cabrera, DSWD Undersecretary for National Household Targeting System (NHTO) and 4Ps.
Cabrera explained that the campaign’s success hinged on several key approaches which include community engagement, family-centered interventions, health education and awareness, behavior change communication, multi-sectoral collaboration, and empowerment and capacity building.
Many hurdles
HOWEVER, Cabrera acknowledged that implementing these sessions was not without hurdles. Despite challenges like limited access to remote areas, stigma, resource constraints, and healthcare system vulnerabilities, the agency was able to overcome these and achieve its goal of empowering communities against TB. Their success stemmed from a multi-pronged approach: deploying mobile clinics, training community health workers, establishing support groups, and forging strong partnerships.
Looking forward, Cabrera further noted the campaign’s long-term potential through sustained community engagement and ongoing family support. Key measures for future success include long-term sustainability, training and capacity building, technology integration, use of digital platforms, community engagement, and continued partnerships and collaboration.
“By implementing these measures, we can ensure sustained community engagement and ongoing support for families beyond the immediate campaign period, maximizing our long-term impact on TB control and prevention,” she concluded.
For more information about TB, healthylungs.ph. The website includes an online self-assessment (https://assessment.healthylungs.ph/) tool to help with TB identification and treatment.
It can also be used to check for suspected TB and locate the nearest health facility. Healthylungs.ph is part of DOH’s local communication campaign, Para Healthy Lungs and KonsulTayo, which is supported by USAID’s TB Innovations and Health Systems Project (TBIHSS).