Koronadal City—The mobile testing van will bolster testing efforts and coverage of tuberculosis, HIV and other infectious diseases in South Cotabato, reaching out remote areas and treating more people immediately.
Governor Reynaldo Tamayo, Jr. turned over Monday the newly purchased commuter van to the Integrated Provincial Health Office to strengthen the disease surveillance of the Infectious Disease Program Team. Each team is composed of at least eight health workers.
Dr. Rogelio Aturdido, Provincial Health Officer, reported that in the last five months after the launching of TB new tools last April, the team reached out 55 far-flung barangays of South Cotabato.
“We need to look for these people to stop the spread of TB, HIV and other infectious disease. We will immediately facilitate treatment for these individuals,” he said.
A at least 4200 individuals went through TB screening while 1000 undergone HIV testing. The record showed 800 were referred to nearest facilities for immediate treatment. The team also discovered 34 persons who are HIV reactive.
“These individuals are undergoing treatment and the team and their counterparts are closely monitoring these people,” Aturdido said.
The U.S. government, through USAID, has been instrumental in expanding TB testing capacities of South Cotabato. New tools for TB screening were turned over to the province last April.
