IBA, Zambales — United States Agency for International Development’s TB Platforms Project conducted a nine-day Tuberculosis (TB) screening for about 381 healthcare workers in Zambales.
In partnership with President Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Hospital (PRMMH), the free chest x-ray activity is part of the FAST (Finding cases Actively, Separating safely, Treating effectively) strategy.
“FAST is an infection control strategy that aims to reduce the spread of the disease in congregate settings through early diagnosis of TB and multi-drug resistant TB,” Zambales Provincial Health Office head Noel Bueno said.
“The strategy promotes the idea that early diagnosing and effectively treating TB patients are the best ways to reduce the spread of the diseases, especially among healthcare workers who are at higher risk of infection due to routine direct patient care,” he added.
Meanwhile, Bueno assured the continuous delivery of TB services in Zambales amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
It includes accessibility of GeneXpert, chest x-ray and striders with zoning within the province; accessibility of medicines and striders to pick up and delivery of supplies, specimens and results; and the availability and accessibility of trained hospital National TB Program core team at the PRMMH cough center namely doctors, nurses and medical technologists.