The Department of Health (DOH), in partnership with the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) through the Access TB Project, and in coordination with the City Health Office (CHO) of Malaybalay and the Provincial Health Office (PHO) Bukidnon, conducted a Mobile Chest X-ray caravan for Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) as part of the National Lung Month celebration.

National Lung Month, observed every August, aims to raise awareness about lung health and promote better lung care. The campaign highlights the importance of maintaining healthy lungs and addresses both the causes and prevention of lung diseases. It also serves as a platform to advocate for universal access to quality healthcare, education, and diagnostic services related to lung health.

The Mobile Chest X-ray caravan took place at the following locations: on August 21-22, 2024, at the Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center (PDRC) in Casisang, Malaybalay City, and on August 27, 2024, at the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) in Barangay Pat-Pat, Malaybalay City.

The initiative was launched in response to the high prevalence of tuberculosis (TB) in jails, where the incidence rate is ten times higher than in civilian communities in the Philippines. The caravan provided chest X-ray screening tests to detect and manage TB among PDLs, aiming to curb the spread of this highly communicable disease.

Report: Mhegan L. Dominguez, HEPO III – CHO-NADA