DSWD looking to upscale FDS to help eradicate tuberculosis

by Ralph Hernandez / March 15, 2024

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) recognized the potential of the Family Development Session (FDS) in eradicating tuberculosis (TB) through further increasing awareness, eliminating stigma, and encouraging early detection, intervention, and treatment among the nation’s most vulnerable sectors.

This was one of the key learnings of stakeholders, beneficiaries of the government’s Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), and members of the media who attended the event organized by the DSWD, Department of Health (DOH), and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID)’s TB Innovations and Health Systems Strengthening Project (TBIHSS) implemented by FHI 360 at the Luxent Hotel in Quezon City last March 14.

According to DOH, TB remains a global concern and a public health emergency that needs a multi-sectoral approach and concerted action from all stakeholders. DSWD Assistant Secretary Marites Maristela echoed this, likening the effort to that of a walis tingting or broom which wouldn’t function with just one strip of a palm midrib.

Asec. Maristela explained that the FDS, a component of the 4Ps program, also helps 4Ps beneficiaries take advantage of and gain access to the various services, whether related to health, finance, or education, under the program. 

DSWD 4Ps Division Chief Rosalie Dagulo added that the campaign’s long-term potential can be realized 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.

To strengthen FDS’ case, the event also featured success stories from families who underwent TB treatment. 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).”

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.

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

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