What is TB Network?

1. It is the official communication handle of the National Tuberculosis Control Program or NTP that will stand for DOH’s re-energized fight against TB.
2. It is a product of DOH’s collaboration with the LGUs, PhilCAT, and Philhealth.
3. It is a “special group” dedicated to help/ take care of TB symptomatics and TB patients.

a. Initially, it comprises regular health workers in the RHUs, MHOs and PHOs. b. Eventually, it will include everyone in the community who wish to help in the administration and financing of D.O.T.S.; family and relatives of TB symptomatics / patients, church, church organizations, civic organizations, NGOs, schools, companies/corporations.

1. TB Network comes with several information materials, such as print ads, radio and TV commercials. Poster of this TB Network as endorsed by Secretary Dayrit himself and with its battle cry “Kakampi Laban sa TB” will also be distributed as soon as ready.
2. It is participated in by the different stakeholders like donor agencies, private sector, non-government organizations, academe, professional societies, pharmaceutical companies and other TB DOTS partners and individual advocates united as one for a common cause.
3. Members of TB Network have also expanded to a huge number of other government agencies as also members of the Comprehensive & Unified Policy for TB Control in the Philippines or C.U.P.
4. DOH in cooperation with all the involved agencies as members of TB Network continuously works hand-in-hand in increasing case detection and cure rates in accordance with the NTP Targets every year.
5. In the end, it can blossom into a systematic, well-oiled, nationwide movement for the eventual complete eradication and/or control of TB-spearheaded by DOH.

Creative Considerations

1. Create a strong branding for NTP
2. Establish a human connection between the NTP and Target Audiences
3. Employ a unique visual device that is attractive, impactful, and memorable

Be a TB Networker now !

10 Roles of a TB-D.O.T.S. Advocate

1. Shares experiences and accomplishments in terms of cure and referral to TB Network.
2. Disseminates right information on TB through available Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) campaign materials.
3. Serves as moral support to TB patients and fellow advocates.
4. Refers individuals with cough for two weeks or more to the nearest D.O.T.S. center for proper management.
5. Conducts health education activities on how TB disease is acquired and developed.
6. Promotes D.O.T.S. services of TB Partners including private sector.
7. Advocates D.O.T.S. as the Strategy for curing TB.
8. Participates during NTP activities including National Health Events, if possible.
9. Encourages other people from different sectors to be a TB D.O.T.S. Advocate.
10. Assists the treatment partner or may serve as the treatment partner, if necessary.

TB vs. NTP-D.O.T.S

What is TB?

Tuberculosis is an infectious disease caused by TB bacteria ( tuberculosis) that primarily affects the lungs. This condition is known as pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB). You may also have tuberculosis in the bones, meninges, joints, genito-urinary tract, liver, kidneys, intestines and heart and this is called extra-pulmonary tuberculosis.

What are some of the relevant TB statistics?

The Philippines is among the 22 high-burdened countries in the world according to W.H.O. TB is the 6th leading cause of illness and the 6th leading cause of deaths among the Filipinos. Most TB patients belong to the economically productive age- group (15-54 years-old) according to the 2nd National Prevalence Survey in 1997.

How does one get TB?

One gets infected with TB if he inhales the germs released from air droplets when a pulmonary TB patient coughs, sneezes and spits. A PTB patient whose sputum is positive for the TB germs/bacteria, if left untreated, may infect approximately 10-20 persons in two years.

How is TB diagnosed?

Pulmonary TB is suspected if a person has symptoms of cough for more than 2 weeks, fever, chest and back pains, poor appetite, loss of weight and hemoptysis. He should seek medical consultation and his sputum should be examined to detect the presence of TB germs/bacteria.

How is TB treated?

Tuberculosis is a curable disease. Patients are prescribed with appropriate regimen to render them non-infectious and cured, as early as possible. The treatment for TB is a combination of 3-4 anti-TB drugs. NEVER should we prescribe a SINGLE DRUG for TB treatment! This will worsen the patient’s condition.

What is D.O.T.S. ?

D.O.T.S. stands for Directly-Observed Treatment Short-course. It is a comprehensive strategy endorsed by the World Health Organization (WHO) and International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases (IUATLD) to detect and cure TB patients.There are five elements of DOTS that need to be fulfilled. These are:

1. political commitment
2. quality sputum microscopy for diagnosis
3. regular supply of anti-TB drugs
4. standardized recording and reporting of TB data
5. supervised treatment by a treatment partner

According to the WHO Report on the TB Epidemic, 1997:A DOTS cure TB patients and it can produce cure rates as high as 95% even in the poorest countries.
A DOTS prevent new infections among children and adults.
A DOTS can stop resistance to anti-TB drugs.
A DOTS is cost-effective.

How can we avail of D.O.T.S. Services?

DOTS services are available in the rural health units, city health centers and govern ment hospitals around the country. Currently, there are also private facilities that are offering DOTS services to their clients.

Is TB curable?

YES! TB can be cured through D.O.T.S.

What is the National TB Program of the Government?

The National TB Program (NTP) is the Government’s commitment to address the TB problem in the country. The NTP is being implemented nationwide in all government health centers and government hospitals. Its objectives are to detect active TB cases (at least 70%) and cure them (at least 85%). Achieving and sustaining targets will eventually result to the decline of the TB problem in the Philippines.