Balik Baterya TB Program in Payatas Completed

With the funds generated from PLDT ULABs, PBSP, through its Training and Consulting Group, was able to implement a TB program in hard-to-reach areas of Brgy. Payatas in Quezon City.

The program, which ran from April-September 30, 2008, aimed to support the 3 rural health units (RHUs) of Brgy. Payatas to design and implement a more responsive TB control and prevention program. It is hoped that the intervention will support the barangay to achieve higher TB case detection (currently at 40% versus 80% MDG standard) and cure rates (currently at 50% versus 85% MDG standard). This will eventually lead to increased community knowledge and understanding of TB, reduced TB default rate (which is more than 9%, ideal is at 4%) and improved health-seeking behavior among the residents.

The program’s achievements are as follows:
1) Formed partnership with the Brgy. Payatas Council, Quezon City Health Department and the Barangay Health Centers
2) Conducted rapid assessment of the present TB situation
3) Formed 2 TB Councils and were trained to manage community-based TB programs (TB education, case finding, case holding, reporting and recording)
4) Trained 53 community-based educators
5) Reached 900 households. The trained educators educated the households on basic facts about TB, case finding and case holding.

To ensure sustainability, the program was fully turned over to the TB Council and a Memorandum of Agreement was formally signed last Sept. 30 to clarify the different roles of the barangay council, the health centers and the QC Health Department in implementing and sustaining the program.