Breaking the Stigma: Strengthening the Fight Against Tuberculosis in Davao

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a pressing health concern in Davao, with the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) recording 30 to 40 positive cases. Despite the availability of free treatment at barangay health centers, many patients struggle to complete the six-month medication due to various factors, including the long treatment duration, fear of being judged, and lack of awareness about the disease.

During a recent Davao Press Club – Kapehan sa Dabaw forum, medical experts from SPMC shed light on the current TB situation, treatment challenges, and the importance of early detection. Dr. Nikko Lou Araneta, a third-year internal medicine resident at SPMC, emphasized the importance of recognizing TB symptoms early. A persistent cough lasting more than two weeks, significant weight loss, and fatigue are telltale signs that should prompt immediate consultation.

While TB is often confused with pneumonia, the two conditions differ in bacterial origins. Pneumonia is a lung infection caused by various bacteria and can be treated with standard antibiotics, whereas TB is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis and requires a longer, more rigorous treatment process. The bacteria spread through airborne droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes, making it highly contagious in poorly ventilated living spaces.

One of the biggest challenges in combating TB is the stigma surrounding the disease. Many patients delay seeking medical attention out of fear of being judged or discriminated against by their community. The misconception that TB is only associated with poor living conditions or unhealthy lifestyles discourages individuals from getting tested. This fear of social rejection often results in the silent spread of the disease within families and communities.

“Many people delay check-ups because of fear of the stigma,” Dr. Araneta said.

According to him, the public also needs to be educated that TB is treatable and that seeking medical help is a responsible decision not only for themselves but also for their families.

TB treatment consists of an intensive two-month phase followed by a four-month maintenance phase. Patients are enrolled in the TB DOT (Directly Observed Treatment) program, which ensures they take their medication under supervision. However, many patients discontinue treatment once symptoms subside, unaware that incomplete treatment can lead to drug-resistant TB, a much more dangerous and difficult-to-treat form of the disease.

“Most patients find it hard to commit because the treatment lasts for months,” Dr. Araneta shared.

To prevent TB transmission, experts recommend wearing a mask, especially when coughing, ensuring proper ventilation in living spaces, completing the full six-month treatment even if symptoms disappear, and getting tested immediately if experiencing a prolonged cough or weight loss.

The TB center plays a crucial role in guiding patients through the process, and for those in remote areas, SPMC offers virtual consultations to make medical advice more accessible without the need for long-distance travel.

Despite the challenges, Davao’s TB treatment program has a high success rate, particularly among patients aged 30 and above. However, the stigma surrounding TB remains a major hurdle. Some patients fear that being diagnosed with TB will lead to social isolation or judgment from peers and employers. Others worry that their families will be treated differently in the community. Because of this, some individuals choose to endure their symptoms rather than seek medical help.

The public must understand that TB is a medical condition, not a moral failing, and seeking early diagnosis can save lives. By breaking the stigma and promoting awareness, we can encourage more people to seek timely treatment and prevent further transmission. Communities, healthcare providers, and local governments must work together to ensure that accurate information reaches everyone, especially in vulnerable areas, so we can move closer to reducing TB cases and protecting the health and well-being of our society. (Mary Lyn Gapio – HCDC Intern)