Local Government Units Fight TB

Manila, Philippines - Binalonan, Pangasinan Mayor and League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) National President Ramon Guico, Jr. joined hands with the local chief executives all over the Philippines to address concerns on tuberculosis.

Tuberculosis is a bacterial disease that is highly contagious. It is characterized by the growth of nodules called tubercles in the body tissues, particularly the lungs. It may also affect the bones, joints and the central nervous system. Developing countries all over the world are said to have about three million deaths per year because of tuberculosis.

According to the most recent report of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Linking Initiative and Networking to Control Tuberculosis (TB LINC), there are two in every ten persons in the world with tuberculosis die without getting diagnosed. On the same report, it is stated that three out of the one hundred persons diagnosed with TB die. The deaths may also be attributed to the cost of treatment for the disease. Treatment for TB ranges from P1,900 to P6,500, hefty price tags for the average Filipino.

On the General Assembly of the LMP in August 2009, the local heads made their commitment to address the problem. One of the first steps they plan to do is to tap the citizens of their cities and municipalities as well as the appropriate non-government organizations to raise awareness on TB. In addition to that, local executives are to ensure availability of medicines, and transport to health practitioners and patients. For more information visit to our site at http://www.ramonguico.com