Fujifilm Philippines Supports Campaign to End TB

Fujifilm Philippines, a global leader in imaging and healthcare technology, has expressed support for the Department of Health (DOH) and United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in their campaign to end tuberculosis (TB) in the country. 2022 data from the DOH show that around 106 Filipinos die every day from TB, a severe lung infection caused by bacteria.

Fujifilm Philippines is dedicated to the fight to end TB by introducing cutting-edge technologies and innovations. One of the critical contributions Fujifilm has made is providing FDR Xair, a portable X-ray system. This innovative device plays a crucial role in early TB detection by enabling healthcare professionals to conduct rapid and accurate screenings in diverse settings. By deploying portable X-ray systems in areas across the country, Fujifilm is helping bridge healthcare access gaps and improve diagnostic capabilities.

The FDR Xair, well-known for its portability and high image quality, plays a pivotal role in enhancing TB screening efforts, particularly in remote and underserved communities where access to healthcare infrastructure is limited. The FDR Xair, with its portable design and advanced imaging technology, revolutionizes TB screening in remote areas by providing reliable performance, ease of use, and data- driven approaches to TB control.

Fujifilm’s innovative solutions align with the efforts of USAID’s TB Innovations and Health Systems Strengthening project, implemented by FHI 360, to reach, cure, and prevent TB in the country using a whole-of-government approach.

Fujifilm Philippines conducted their first Medical Mission and TB screening using their x-ray systems (FDR nano and FDR Go PLUS) in Majayjay Laguna in 2023. The company plans to continue this program annually and utilize FDR Xair. By working closely with affected communities, local healthcare providers, and grassroots organizations, the company ensures that TB interventions are culturally sensitive, equitable, and sustainable.

In light of the global challenge posed by TB, Fujifilm recognizes the necessity of a coordinated, multi-sectoral approach. The company stands in solidarity with governments, international organizations, civil society, and the private sector to tackle TB head-on, with the shared goal of building a healthier, TB-free future.

Fujifilm Philippines recognizes the urgent need to enhance TB detection capabilities as cases of this infecti
ous disease continue to surge across the country, according to the DOH.As of December 31, 2023, DOH recorded over 600,000 cases of TB, or 549 cases per 100,000 people. This figure is higher than that of 2022, with 439 cases per 100,000 people. Despite its lethality, TB can be cured through free medication provided at TB DOTS clinics nationwide, where patients undergo a six-month treatment regimen without interruption.

HOW FAMILY DEVELOPMENT SESSION (FDS) EMPOWERS FAMILIES AGAINST TUBERCULOSIS

Families and beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) came together to share personal stories of battling tuberculosis (TB) in Empowering Families Against Tuberculosis: Success Stories and Insights from the Implementation of Family Development Session on TB Awareness, an event organized by the Department of Health (DOH), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID)’s TB Innovations and Health Systems Strengthening Project (TB IHSS) implemented by FHI 360. 

Representatives from the DSWD and the USAID also attended the event held at the Luxent Hotel in Quezon City last March 14 to discuss the wins and learnings from the implementation of Family Development Session (FDS).

One such triumph is the story of the Arimado family. When her daughter Lhian started to experience daily weight loss, frequent chills, and occasional vomiting, market vendor Cecilia Arimado knew something was wrong. During her pre-graduation photoshoot, Lhian suddenly felt weak and unable to stand. Cecilia took her to a clinic in Legazpi, Albay where she was later referred to a health center for further evaluation. There, Lhian received a diagnosis of TB. 

However, it was only through FDS, one of the key components in the implementation of the 4Ps, that Lhian was able to start taking her medications. 

“Ang FDS ang nagbigay daan para sa paggaling ng aking anak (FDS was the key towards the healing of my daughter),” Cecilia said. “Pinagkalooban nila ang aming anak ng mga gamot at bitamina at tinuruan kung paano maalagaan ang aming sarili at ang mga kamag-anak na may tuberculosis. (They gave her medicines and vitamins, and they taught us how to better care for ourselves and for others).” 

Tuberculosis remains a global concern, according to Secretary of Health Teodoro J. Herbosa. 

“TB is a public health emergency and needs concerted action from all stakeholders. We’ve made notable progress in the fight against TB, including finding 2.1 million people with TB,” he said. 

FDS, a continuing education program conducted nationwide, is regarded as an important intervention to fulfill the family development thrust of the 4Ps. It also serves as an arm to strengthen the agency’s capacity to fulfill its role of investing in the human capital of families and children. 

Similar to the Arimados, the story of the Betser family in Zamboanga Sibugay mirrors the initial struggles of many. Despite facing TB in three family members – son Lloyd Vincent, husband Bernard, and daughter Leah – limited income led them to try faith healing and self-medication initially. The wife Arlyn, who was earning P4,000 a month from her job as household help, felt immense pressure during that challenging time. 

Through FDS, they learned the importance of knowing the early symptoms, early detection, diagnosis, and treatment. More importantly, they realized that self-medication could worsen the situation and that seeking professional help is essential. 

After her family recovered, Arlyn requested for a special FDS to be conducted among her co-4Ps beneficiaries in their area. Arlyn shared her story so others like her would learn. 

“Napakalaking tulong ang FDS sa amin dahil nalaman ko kung paano magamot ang TB, paano maiiwasan, at ano ang gagawin para hindi makahawa sa iba (FDS is a big help because we learned how to cure TB, how to prevent it, and how to curb its spread),” she said. 

FDS strengthens the capacities of the family members, particularly the parents, to become more responsive to the needs of the family and their children, to become more socially aware, and to be involved and participative in community development activities. 

“FDS sessions have emerged as a valuable strategy for raising TB awareness within family units, fostering behavioral changes, reducing stigma, promoting community engagement, and ensuring long-term impact in the fight against TB,” said Vilma Cabrera, DSWD Undersecretary for National Household Targeting System (NHTO) and Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program. 

Usec. Cabrera explained that the campaign’s success hinged on several key approaches: community engagement, family-centered interventions, health education and awareness, behavior change communication, multi-sectoral collaboration, and empowerment and capacity building. 

However, implementing these sessions wasn't without hurdles. The DSWD official acknowledged challenges like limited access to remote areas, stigma, limited resources, and vulnerabilities in the healthcare system. However, through the deployment of mobile health clinics, training of community health workers, establishment of support groups, and numerous partnerships, the agency was able to overcome challenges and achieve its goal of empowering communities against TB. 

Looking forward, Usec. Cabrera further noted the campaign’s long-term potential through sustained community engagement and ongoing family support. Key measures for future success include long-term sustainability, training and capacity building, technology integration, use of digital platforms, community engagement, and continued partnerships and collaboration.

"By implementing these measures, we can ensure sustained community engagement and ongoing support for families beyond the immediate campaign period, maximizing our long-term impact on TB control and prevention,” she concluded. 

For more information about TB, visit healthylungs.ph. The website includes an online self-assessment (https://assessment.healthylungs.ph/) tool to help with TB identification and treatment. It can also be used to check for suspected TB, and locate the nearest health facility. 

Healthylungs.ph is part of DOH's local communication campaign, Para Healthy Lungs and KonsulTayo, which are supported by USAID's TB Innovations and Health Systems Project (TBIHSS). It aims to raise tuberculosis as a public health priority in the country using social and conventional media methods. 

DTI-USAID Bootcamp to Help Women Entreps Go Digital

MAKATI – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is partnering with USAID, Lead-More, and Havas Ortega to train women entrepreneurs on using digital tools to grow their business. The three-month program will be piloted in Region 4A in April, Iloilo in July, and Cagayan de Oro in October.

“In DTI we always say that for every job or business opportunity, we lift one Filipino family out of poverty. If we give these opportunities to women, we also empower them and help them become an inspiration for their families and their communities,” said Secretary Lopez.

The program, called Women Entreps-Digitally Enhanced Ventures (WE-DEV), is a three-month lecture and mentoring series to open opportunities for growth and sustainability among selected businesses owned or managed by women entrepreneurs.

USAID will fund the project and link entrepreneurs to online platforms Lazada and Shopee. Lead-More, led by Dean Pax Lapid and Jorge Wieneke, will provide training modules and mentor the women entrepreneurs.

Under the program, DTI will select 50 women entrepreneurs from the One Town, One Product program to be part of WE-DEV. These entrepreneurs will undergo the program that will begin with a two-day boot camp from Socialyse, a social media pure player from Havas Ortega.

In the boot camp, the mentees will learn how to create content and use analytics tools to track their growth. After the program, Socialyse will offer assisted campaigns by prepaid packages. Socialyse Executive Director Peter Juan said that sustainability in campaigns is important because in most seminars, mentees get excited after the first few days, but burn out when they run out of ideas.

WE-DEV will also offer lessons on basic business concepts like entrepreneurial mindset, marketing, product development, and finance. Afterwards, mentees will learn how to use digital platforms to sell their products, build their online presence, and establish payment methods.

The Philippines has the 2nd highest percentage of entrepreneurially-active females, according to the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor 2015-2016. We Are Social’s report also named the Philippines as the top country in terms of time spent on the internet in 2019. Filipinos, on average, spend 10 hours a day online. The global average is 6 hours and 49 minutes.