Koronadal City, South Cotabato| September 03, 2025 – South Cotabato is making significant progress in its fight against tuberculosis (TB), posting one of the strongest recovery records in the region despite a continuing high caseload.
According to John Arlo Codilla, Nurse-III and Head of the Provincial TB Control Unit, the province logged 3,957 confirmed TB cases in 2024, covering both pulmonary and extra-pulmonary forms.
Behind the numbers is a major achievement: an 89% treatment success rate. This means that nearly 9 out of 10 patients successfully completed their medication and were declared cured after follow-up examinations six months post-treatment.
“This result reflects the hard work of our health frontliners, the discipline of patients, and the strength of our community-based TB programs,” Codilla said.
He added that consistent follow-ups and accessible treatment services played a crucial role in achieving such outcomes.
“TB is curable, and these figures prove it,” he pointed out.
The positive trend continues this year. In the first half of 2025 alone, the province reported 1,014 new TB cases, with 848 patients already completing treatment and showing recovery. This underscores the effectiveness of South Cotabato’s efforts to ensure treatment adherence and close patient monitoring.
Still, Codilla cautioned the public against complacency.
“Each case, whether new or relapsed, carries risk. Early detection, complete treatment, and continuous monitoring are critical,” he stressed.
He urged individuals with symptoms such as persistent cough, fever, night sweats, or unexplained weight loss to seek immediate medical attention.
Codilla also reminded residents that TB screening and treatment are available for free at all government health facilities.
As the province pushes toward its vision of zero TB deaths, Codilla emphasized the importance of public awareness, patient responsibility, and sustained government support to maintain momentum in the fight against TB.
