Cotabato City – The Ministry of Health (MOH) in partnership with the International Organization for Migrants (IOM) spearheaded a powerful initiative today, aptly themed “Hingang Ginhawa kapag Healthy Lungs ang buong Pamilya” in observance of National Lung Month.

This timely campaign is supported by Republic Act No. 10767 (Comprehensive Tuberculosis Elimination Plan Act) which aims to eliminate and/or raise awareness about the dangers of Tuberculosis (TB).

Dr. Nor-aine Kansi, an Adult Infectious Disease Specialist from Cotabato Regional Medical Center, had emphasized the gravity of Tuberculosis (TB) as the world’s deadliest infectious disease and highlighted its alarming impact both globally and within the Philippines.

The country tragically ranks fourth in TB incidence, with a staggering 741,000 cases and 61,000 deaths in 2021 alone. The situation in BARMM is also concerning, with 8,943 confirmed cases and 172 reported deaths in 2023.

She also outlined factors that increase the risk of contracting TB, including close contact with infected individuals, compromised immune systems, malnutrition, and living in overcrowded, poorly ventilated environments.

Key participants who actively took part in the campaign are students from STI, Cotabato City National High School-Rojas, Datu Piang National High School, Pilot Provincial Science High School and Technology, Cotabato City National High School -Main Campus, and Bangsamoro Stand Alone senior High school.

Representatives from various ministries and agencies also attended the program including the Ministry of Social Services and Development, Ministry of Basic, Higher, and Technical Education, and the Office of the Bangsamoro Planning Development Authority, who recognize the significance of this pressing health issues.

The MOH, through the Infectious Diseases Cluster, remains committed to combating the said illness and promote for a Tb-free region, through continued education, accessible healthcare services, and robust partnerships, the Ministry strives to create a future where every family can breathe easy, free from the burden of curable and preventable diseases.